Consider how key regulations may impact nursing practice.

Several key regulations impact the nursing profession. The regulations aim to protect the rights of patients, ensure safety for them, and uphold professional nursing standards. Here are some examples on how regulations affect nursing practice.

1. Nurse Practice Acts. Each state has a Nurse Practice Act, which governs nursing in the state. NPAs set out the nursing scope of practice and responsibilities. They also establish legal requirements. Nursing licenses are governed by the NPAs in each state.
2. HIPAA – The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act is a federal act that protects privacy and security in patient information. HIPAA is a federal law that requires nurses to follow when they handle patient information. They must also obtain consent from patients for their use and sharing of health data.
3. Joint Commission: Joint Commission is a non-profit, independent organization which accredits health care organizations. It also sets standards of patient safety and the quality of their services. Nursing staff in accredited health care organizations are required to follow Joint Commission standards.
4. OSHA: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is a federal organization that establishes safety standards in the workplace. OSHA regulations must be followed by nurses to maintain their own safety as well as the safety of the patients they care for in the medical setting.
5. Nursing Code of Ethics The Nursing Code of Ethics defines ethical duties of nurses. The American Nurses Association established the code to provide guidance for nursing practices and decisions. Nursing Code of Ethics requires nurses to maintain high standards of professional conduct and adhere to it.

Key regulations impact nursing practice in a major way. To ensure they provide safe, ethical and effective patient care, nurses must know and understand these regulations.