What is the primary purpose of the Nurse Practice Act?

The primary purpose of the Nurse Practice Act is to define the scope of nursing practice and establish legal regulations that govern the profession. This legislation is crucial as it outlines the competencies that nurses are expected to perform and specifies the legal parameters within which they must operate. By doing so, it ensures that nursing professionals provide safe and effective care to patients while also protecting the public from unqualified practitioners.

The Act also serves to delineate the requirements for licensure, the grounds for disciplinary actions, and continuing education mandates, which are vital for maintaining professional standards in nursing. This regulatory framework is essential for upholding the integrity of the profession and facilitating accountability among nursing practitioners.