PA003 Assignment Regulation

Slide 1

• Title Page

Welcome. Hi, I’m Kerri Sikina, and my presentation is about “Understanding Nursing Regulations. Today’s class will examine the importance of nursing regulations in the development of nursing practice and in maintaining patient safety. Thank you for joining me on the topics that are vital to our profession and affect how we care for our patients.

Slide 2

• Introduction

In this presentation, the discussion indicates the differences between rules and regulations issued by the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing. Other known factors that influence the organizational framework of professional nursing associations, the corporate practice of nursing, and the role it has played in shaping the practice of Pennsylvania APRNs and general nursing are also noted (Leslie et al., 2021). Nurses need to be aware of these legal issues, which underpin nursing practice, patient protection, principles of care, and ethical practice. Nurses’ understanding of the current system would help to enhance their practice for patient advocacy and promote the evolution of the resultant healthcare legislation in the practice of nursing.

Slide 3

• Board of Nursing vs. Professional Nurse Associations

The Board of Nursing is an official state entity that is in charge of the implementation of guidelines for the practice of nursing in the state. The main activity of its interest is related to the public interest, and it acts as a protector of the public, ensuring formal education and licensure of the nurses, and standardizing the practice (Smiley et al., 2021). The standards and legal rules for processing licenses, investigating cases against such people, and, as can be seen, have the right to punish them for breaking the law in their professional activity.
Professional Nurse Associations are groups of professionals that further protect the defense of the Nurses’ professional and parochial rights. They aim to improve career development, to connect and network, and to bring about change in the health care field (Smiley et al.). They offer continuing education, research articles, practice standards, and guidelines, and are champions of policy change that works towards their objectives and the healthcare industry as a whole.
About the distinguishing characteristics: functions and objectives were discussed in the main forms. The Board of Nursing involves issues of regulation, licensing, and the law; the Professional Nurse Associations’ major activities involve advocacy and promotion of professional development in the field of nursing (Smiley et al., 2021). The Board is an official governmental organization, and Professional Nurse Associations are non-governmental organizations responsible for developing and assisting nursing workers with their jobs.

Slide 4

• The Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing

The Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing is mainly responsible for the regulation of the nursing profession in the state of Pennsylvania. It primarily aims to ensure the public interest as it ensures that practising nurses can provide proper care to patients (Smiley et al., 2023). The Board shall issue licenses to RNs (registered nurses), LPNs (licensed practical nurses), and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to set educational criteria; certify and accredit nursing education programs, and oversee and enforce provisions of the professional nursing laws.

• Current Board Members

Professional Members

• Donald H. Bucher, DNP, CRNP, ACNP-BC, FAANP (Vice Chair)

Term: 10/26/22 – 10/26/28 (1st Term)

Seat: Registered Nurse

• Charlene W. Compher, PhD, RD, LDN, FASPEN

Term: 10/26/22 – 10/26/28 (1st Term)

Seat: Licensed Dietitian-Nutritionist

• Katheryn L. Capiotis, RN, MSN, NE-BC, AMB-BC

Term: 6/5/24 – 6/5/30 (1st Term)

Seat: Registered Nurse

• Susan D. Hellier, PhD, DNP, FNP-BC

Term: 6/5/24 – 6/5/30 (1st Term)

Seat: Registered Nurse

• Sue E. Hertzler, LPN

Term: 11/16/20 – 11/16/26 (2nd Term)

Seat: Licensed Practical Nurse

• Colby P. Hunsberger, DNP, RN, CNEcl (Chair)

Term: 6/29/23 – 6/29/29 (2nd Term)

Seat: Registered Nurse with MSN

• David L. K. Scher, RN

Term: 6/5/24 – 6/5/30 (1st Term)

Seat: Registered Nurse

• Tina D. Siegel, LPN

Term: 07/06/2022 – 07/06/2028 (1st Term)

Seat: Licensed Practical Nurse

• Vacant

Seat: Registered Nurse

Public Members

• Linda A. Kerns, Esquire

Term: 4/09/19 – 4/19/25 (2nd Term)

• Vacant

Position Open

• Vacant

Position Open

Designee

• Arion R. Claggett

Acting Commissioner of the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs

Process of Becoming a Member of the Board

To become a member of the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing, they are usually appointed by the Governor and are usually confirmed by the Senate. It is customary to have working experience in the field of nursing, to possess a valid license for practicing in the state of Pennsylvania, as well as to have a client and public commitment (Smiley et al., 2023). There may be other directors who are nominated to the position of public interest, where they would have to have a set of abilities set forth by state law. By attracting such candidates, the process guarantees that the Board finds individuals who are well-informed about nursing as well as the standards to be followed in Pennsylvania.

Slide 5

• State Regulation on Nurse Scope of Practice

In Pennsylvania, the Nurse Practice Act regulates the practice and practice bounds of RNs and LPNs. Corresponding to this act, e.g., entry-level nursing practice, explain that by the rule of their roles and responsibilities, nurses probably practice within the realm of their education, training, and experience, as well as in accordance with the standards ( Yang et al., 2020). This rule provides enhanced protection for patients from receiving substandard care or attention at the hands of an unqualified nurse.
One thing that this regulation has directly touched on is the scope of practice; it has set these bounds and let nurses know what they can and what they can’t do. By knowing this, one nurse may make better decisions on the care of patients, speak up for the patient, collaborate with the other practitioner to deliver care, and decrease the likelihood of being dragged to court for doing activities outside of their scope of practice ( Yang et al., 2020). This regulation has the effect of altering the delivery, cost, and availability of health care because it provides requirements of practice that foster safety for nurses and promote quality for patients. This way, high standards of regulation are preserved, and the number of mistakes and adverse events that lead to expensive claims and wastage of healthcare funds is eliminated.

Slide 6

• State Regulation on Nurse Scope of Practice

Change of the Regulation in the Last Five Years

In the past 5 years, there have been changes in the Nurse Practice Act of Pennsylvania, and some of the changes are related to the scope of practice for APRNs ( Yang et al., 2020). The changes aim to expand nurse practitioner practice and duties to include expanding practice, prescribing medications, and not being required to have working relationships with physicians. The revisions will further enhance the autonomy of APRNs while addressing the evolving patient care needs to expand access to care for patients across the state.

Slide 7

• Cultural Considerations in Nursing Care

There are many impacts of patients’ experiences due to the Nurse Practice Act and Regulations, such as cultural perspectives. Another way that the regulation ensures the accountability of competent professional nursing practice is by setting up the scope of nursing practice and nursing care standards, because in their daily practice, the regulation forces nurses to consider culture (Larsen et al., 2020). This presentation identifies the importance of honoring patients’ cultural beliefs and practices to give patient-centered and culturally sensitive treatment. Cultural factors could involve personal or cultural preferences for language, clothing, food, ideas of sickness and healing, family, the family system, personal or cultural time, and others. With this knowledge, nurses can be directed on how to improve the quality of care to be offered without having any misunderstanding with patients; gaining their trust.
To provide culturally competent care, they should introduce understanding, and following communication skills, the patient’s beliefs and preferences about their care should be encouraged to be revealed. Another comprehensive appraisal of its favorability in establishing patient-centered care is that users will feel valued and the experiences are understood (Larsen et al., 2020). Nurses need to try to learn more about the culture and customs of those for whom they are providing care and health education, including their food, health, and nutrition desires, and language. It gives feedback for nurses to consider in their plans of individualized interventions, which take into account cultural diversity.
The use of cultural advisors as interpreters was, however, found to be a good way to enhance patient education and prevent misunderstandings. Other measures that can enhance the quality of patient education include: Patient education material presented in a different language and culturally appropriate patient education materials. It is also important to involve patients’ families in the care process since they are often involved in the decision-making processes within several cultures (Larsen et al., 2020). Nurses can meet the legal requirements for cultural diversity/competency and also contribute to a culturally sensitive and just health care system.

Slide 8

• State Regulation on Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs)

In Pennsylvania, the regulation of the scope and practice of APRNs as defined by the Nurse Practice Act includes Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs), Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), and Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs). Currently, one of the mandates that applies to APRNs includes the Pennsylvania APRN Consensus Model, where they are granted autonomy to practice without reporting to a medical practitioner (Zhong et al., 2024). This regulation acknowledges the formal education of APRNs and their clinical experience to evaluate, diagnose, and manage patients without supervision.

This regulation has altered the scope of practice for the nurse severely because it acknowledges the ability of APRNs to practice to their full capacity. This independence not only augments the ability to practice but also relabels APRNs as key players on the healthcare team who can deliver a big impact on patient care and the healthcare system (Zhong et al., 2024). It impacts the availability, plan, and even opportunity of health care in several ways. It opens the possibilities of healthcare access as APRNs can provide care on their own, which means the absence of a physician will not hinder the delivery of quality services to patients in areas that are usually difficult to cover. This increased access brings the problem sooner and can result in beneficial treatment, reducing strain on emergency services and the costs of health care.

Slide 9

• State Regulation on Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs)

Change of the Regulation in the Last Five Years

Many changes in Pennsylvania laws have taken place in the last few years that have affected the role of an APRN, such as the elimination of the “supervisory” agreements that the APRNs must have with physicians. Such a change creates more practice freedom for APRNs and enhances the collaboration of the healthcare system (Zhong et al., 2024). Similarly, new protocols are being put in place to streamline the process for APRNs to prescribe some medications for them to fulfill patients’ needs. These changes represent a gradual understanding of the important contribution APRNs make to the health care delivery system and the recognition of the value APRNs bring to society in health care.

Slide 9

• Conclusion

In conclusion, in this presentation, the crucial differences between the Board of Nursing and professional nurse associations, general information about the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing and its members, and state regulations concerning the general nurse practice, as well as for APRNs. The impacts of the aforementioned regulations on the role of a nurse, on health care provision, and access to health care were also assessed using a cultural approach to nursing practice. It is very important to adhere to the rules and laws governing the nursing profession, as people should be given soothing and caring treatment, and can also follow the law that exists to safeguard the patient.