Healthcare Distribution, Regulation, and Ethics

Nurse Practice Act

State legislation that establishes the legal definitions of nursing practice, creates State Boards of Nursing, and enforces statutory rules and regulations governing nursing scope within that state jurisdiction.

Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)

An interstate agreement that allows registered nurses and LPNs to hold one multistate license, enabling physical or electronic (telehealth) practice across member states without securing duplicate state licenses (Connecticut joined the NLC on October 1, 2025).

Full-Practice Authority

State regulations permitting Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (such as NPs) to evaluate, diagnose, treat, and prescribe independently without mandatory physician supervision. In Connecticut, Nurse Practitioners achieve full-practice authority after completing three years of practice under physician supervision.

Mandatory Reporters

Licensed healthcare providers mandated by state legislation to report any reasonable suspicion of abuse, neglect, or exploitation involving vulnerable populations—including children, elderly individuals, persons with disabilities, long-term care residents, and impaired healthcare practitioners—to state agencies such as the Department of Public Health.

Continuing Education Requirements

Statutory mandates requiring licensed professionals (social workers, physicians, pharmacists, APRNs) to complete designated annual or biannual educational hours to maintain active licensure.