What are the Key Regulatory Requirements in Nursing?
Licensure: Nurses must obtain and maintain a valid nursing license from their state's board of nursing. This includes meeting educational requirements, passing the NCLEX-RN exam, and fulfilling continuing education requirements. Scope of Practice: Nurses must operate within the legal scope of practice defined by their state's Nurse Practice Act. This ensures that they perform only those tasks for which they are trained and qualified. Patient Privacy (HIPAA): Nurses must comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to protect patient confidentiality and secure medical records. Infection Control: Nurses must follow protocols for infection prevention and control to reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections. Documentation: Accurate and timely documentation of patient care is crucial for legal and clinical purposes. Nurses must ensure that all records are complete, correct, and compliant with institutional policies.
