Differences Between a Board of Nursing and a Professional Nurse Association

Differences Between a Board of Nursing and a Professional Nurse Association
Feature Board of Nursing Professional Nurse Association
Purpose Regulatory body ensuring public safety Advocacy and professional development
Authority Legal authority to enforce laws and discipline No legal authority; offers support and education
Functions Licensure, discipline, scope of practice Networking, continuing education, lobbying
Membership Appointed by government Voluntary membership by nurses
Focus Protecting the public Advancing the profession
🏛️ Florida Board of Nursing Overview
Governing Law: Chapter 464 of the Florida Statutes (Florida Nurse Practice Act)

Purpose: Regulates nursing practice to ensure safe, competent care.

Location: Operates under the Florida Department of Health.

👥 Who Is on the Florida Board of Nursing?
The board typically includes:

Registered Nurses (RNs)

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs)

Consumer members (non-nurses representing the public)

Members are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate.

🛤️ How to Become a Board Member
Must be a licensed nurse in good standing or a qualified consumer.

Apply through the Governor’s Appointments Office.

Selection considers experience, diversity, and geographic representation.

📜 Regulation Related to General Nurse Scope of Practice
Statute: Section 464.003(3)(f), Florida Statutes

Definition of Nursing Treatment: Involves establishing and implementing a nursing regimen for care, comfort, illness prevention, education, and health maintenance.

💡 Influence on Nurse’s Role
Nurses are empowered to:

Perform assessments

Develop care plans

Educate patients

Promote wellness

💰 Influence on Delivery, Cost, and Access
Delivery: Enables nurses to manage routine care independently.

Cost: Reduces reliance on physicians for basic care, lowering costs.

Access: Expands reach, especially in underserved areas.

🌍 Cultural Impact
Nurses must adapt care plans to cultural beliefs, language, and health practices.

Regulation allows flexibility in education and communication, promoting culturally competent care.

🩺 Regulation Related to APRNs
Statute: Section 464.012, Florida Statutes

Scope: APRNs may diagnose, treat, and prescribe independently under certain conditions.

💡 Influence on APRN Role
APRNs can:

Practice autonomously in primary care

Prescribe medications

Lead care teams

💰 Influence on Delivery, Cost, and Access
Delivery: Increases efficiency and reduces wait times.

Cost: APRNs offer high-quality care at lower cost than physicians.

Access: Vital in rural and underserved communities.

🔄 Recent Changes (Past 5 Years)
House Bill 975 (2024): Introduced mandatory electronic fingerprinting for APRN licensure.

Expanded Prescriptive Authority: APRNs now have broader rights to prescribe controlled substances.

Impact: Strengthens public safety and streamlines licensure.