Nursing Regulation: Licensure, Boundaries, Social Media

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering regulation, licensure, education, discipline, professional boundaries, and social media in nursing.

NCSBN

National Council of State Boards of Nursing; provides education, service, and research to promote regulatory excellence for patient safety and public protection.

Board of Nursing (BON)

State regulatory agency that licenses nurses, writes administrative rules, disciplines unsafe practitioners, and approves nursing programs to protect the public.

Licensure

The most restrictive form of professional regulation; requires specialized knowledge and independent decision-making to authorize practice.

Certification

A voluntary professional credential awarded by a private agency after passing a certification exam.

Scope of Practice

The range of nursing activities defined by the Nurse Practice Act and state law that nurses may perform.

Nurse Practice Act

State law describing licensure requirements, nursing titles, scope of practice, and enforcement actions.

Mandatory licensure

A state requirement that nurses be licensed to practice, established after earlier voluntary licensure.

Two-pronged licensure model

Licensure achieved by (1) educational attainment attested for safe practice and (2) passing the NCLEX exam.

NCLEX

National Licensure Examination used to determine whether an entry-level nurse is competent to practice.

Compact License State

A state participating in the Nurse Licensure Compact; licenses may be valid in multiple member states.

Iowa as a Compact State

Iowa participates in the enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact allowing multi-state licensure.

Continued Competence

Ongoing demonstration of professional competence required to maintain licensure.

Continuing Education (CE)

Education hours mandated by boards to maintain licensure; requirements vary by state.

Education program approval

Official recognition by the BON that a nursing program meets regulatory standards.

National nursing accreditation

Process ensuring the quality and integrity of nursing programs through national bodies.

CCNE

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education; accredits baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs.

ACEN

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing; accredits nursing programs across levels.

CNEA

Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation; accredits nursing education programs.

Accreditation vs Regulation

Accreditation is voluntary and national; regulation is mandatory by the state; BONs can close schools or sanction programs.

Discipline

Board actions against a nurse for unsafe practice, including letters of concern, fines, license conditions, or suspension.

Professional Boundaries

The spaces between a nurse’s power and a patient’s vulnerability to ensure safety and trust.

Boundary Crossing

A brief, possibly inadvertent excursion across a boundary that may not be harmful.

Boundary Violation

A crossing to meet the nurse’s own needs that harms the patient and can lead to sanctions.

Early Warning Signs of Boundary Violations

Examples include extended time with a patient, favoritism, meeting outside care areas, and personal disclosures.

Privacy

Right of a person to be free from intrusion into personal matters; treat patients with dignity and respect.

Confidentiality

Protection of patient information from unauthorized access; information can be shared only with consent or by law.

HIPAA

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (1996); federal law protecting patient privacy and confidentiality.

Social Media Guidelines for Nurses

Rules to maintain patient privacy and professionalism online; avoid posting patient information or disparaging remarks; follow employer policies.

NCSBN Social Media Initiative (2010)

BONs reported complaints about social media; actions included letters of concern, fines, license conditions, or suspensions.

Social media misconduct examples

Posting patient photos, discussing patients, or sharing identifiable information on public platforms.

Professional Boundaries Resources

NCSBN website, ANA Principles for Social Networking and the Nurse, NSNA white paper on social media usage.