Update 2010: Laws Protecting the Title "Nurse"

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

ana has helped state bon to enact regulatory changes protecting the title nurse, registered nurse (rn) and licensed practical/vocational nurse

[color=#cc3333]

[color=#cc3333]2007: protecting the title nurse

background

ana has been working with state nurses associations through its nationwide state legislative agenda to promote state legislation that protects the title nurse. this legislation amends state nurse practice acts, which outline licensure requirements of nurses including entry requirements, practice standards and codes of conduct. the intent of licensure requirements is to protect the public against unethical, unscrupulous and incompetent practitioners. the regulation of nurses offers some assurance to the public that a nurse is competent to provide services in an effective and safe way. the intent of protecting the title nurse is to protect the public from individuals who are not nurses, yet deceitfully lead the public to believe they are nurses and are able to provide certain services that only nurses are qualified to provide.

legislation that protects the title nurse has now been enacted in 19 states including: az, ca, co, fl, hi, ky, id, md, mn, ne, nm, ny, nc, nd, ri, sc, tn, tx, wa, and wi.

2010: title "nurse" protection

background

the intent of restricting use of the title "nurse" is to protect the public from individuals who are not licensed nurses, yet deceitfully lead the public to believe they are and able to provide services that only nurses are qualified to provide. a solution is to enact legislation amending the state nurse practice act. nurse practice acts describe entry requirements, practice standards and codes of conduct with the intent of protecting the public against unethical, unscrupulous and incompetent practitioners. the regulation of nurses offers some assurance to the public that a nurse is competent to provide services in an effective and safe way. restricting use of the title "nurse" to those who have satisfied the licensure requirements ensures protection the public deserves.

legislation enacted to date

twenty eight states are known to have statutory protections for the title nurse: az, ca, co, de, fl, hi, id, ky, md, mn, ms, mo, ne, nv, nm, ny, nc, nd, ri, sc, tn, tx, ut, vt, wa, wv, wi, wy

summary of language by state available here

advance for nurses:

professional vulnerability

strengthening nursing’s image will garner rns greater respect inside and outside the clinical setting.

gina m. bright, phd, rn, ocn

[anonymurse]

Thanks, letter sent to my delegate. I particularly like the Florida model.

[RNRealNurse417]

Thank you...I've printed the Title Law and a few other Florida Statutes and mailed them to the facility. I hope they will become educated and will now take action to change their "nurses station" signs, wear badges and never refer to themselves as nurses. I appreciate the information sent. You're all great.