What it means
Each US state and territory has its own Nurse Practice Act. It defines what RNs, LPNs/LVNs and advanced practice nurses may legally do, sets the rules for getting and keeping a license, and creates the state board of nursing, which writes rules and disciplines nurses who break them. A nurse must practice within the act of the state where the client is.
For the nurse
When unsure whether a task is within your scope, check the state's Nurse Practice Act and your facility's policy. Delegation to others must also follow it.
At a glance
| Spanish | ley de práctica de enfermería |
|---|---|
| Also written | Nurse Practice Acts, nurse practice act |
Related terms
UAP
Unlicensed assistive personnel: trained workers without a nursing license, such as nursing assistants, who help with client care.
American Nurses Association
The professional organization for registered nurses in the United States.
registered nurse
A nurse who has passed the NCLEX-RN and holds a state license to practice as an RN.