[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Have you ever wondered about the role state boards play in nursing licensure or how they might affect you and your career? We have the answers for you.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This article explains what you need to know about state boards of nursing (BON) as a nurse or nursing student. Read on for information about nursing regulatory bodies and its main functions, such as its part in nurse licensure and disciplinary actions.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Nursing Regulatory Bodies Explained[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]State boards of nursing oversee all administrative aspects of nurse licensing for each state.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]All 50 states, including the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Virgin Islands, have individual boards of nursing. Collectively, these organizations make up the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). NCSBN administers the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), which [hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/”]prospective RNs[/hen-ui-link] must pass before practicing professionally.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The combination of licensing and taking [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//nursing-entrance-exams-guide/”]board exams ensures nurse[/hen-ui-link] competency and ongoing continuing education efforts are upheld.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some policies remain consistent across states, such as passing the NCLEX-RN, but other policies vary by state. Check your specific state nursing board for the most relevant requirements for becoming a nurse in your state.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]4 Main Functions of the Board of Nursing[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]What are the four main functions of the board of nursing? State boards of nursing evaluate license applications, issue licenses, renew licenses, and take disciplinary action in response to professional misconduct.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Evaluating Licensure Applications:[/hen-ui-text] The state board of nursing evaluates applications to make sure nursing applicants possess the [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/”]appropriate education[/hen-ui-link], have passed the NCLEX-RN, and completed background checks.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Issuing Licenses: [/hen-ui-text]The state board of nursing issues licenses and maintains a list of licensed nurses. These listings are available to the public and healthcare providers.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Renewing Licenses:[/hen-ui-text] To renew licenses, nurses must participate in continuing professional education and must be in good standing. The state board of nursing determines the specific renewal requirements.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Taking Disciplinary Action:[/hen-ui-text] If a nurse becomes accused of violating laws or nursing regulations, the state board of nursing conducts an investigation and may issue disciplinary action, such as a reprimand or loss of the nursing license.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Nursing Master’s Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How State Nursing Regulations Work[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The Nurse Practice Act (NPA) determines nursing license requirements, defines the scope of nursing practice, establishes the types of licenses and the requirements for receiving each license, and sets the state board of nursing’s makeup and roles.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]State boards work with the NPA by enforcing rules and regulations that are state-specific for licensure and scope of practice in specific areas.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While NPAs across states might share similar licenses and requirements, they vary in other aspects. To practice in a state, nurses must comply with that state’s licensing requirements and NPA.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Nurse Practice Acts and BONs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]NPAs give each state board of nursing the authority to develop additional administrative rules to help clarify or specify NPA’s statutes. These additional rules and regulations must be within the spirit of the NPA and cannot exceed what the law permits.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Once enacted, the state board of nursing rules have the force of law. Nurses, nursing students, and other stakeholders can submit written comments or participate in hearings. Nurses must understand the role of their state boards of nursing and follow its actions.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-article-card title=”Find Out How to Get Your RN License in Any State” href=”/registered-nursing/rn-licensing-requirements-by-state/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Why Do Nurses Need a License?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses, like any profession with a major impact on public health and safety, must earn licenses. Licensure ensures that nurses have the necessary knowledge and skills to practice safely and keep ethical standards.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Licensing also saves administrative work for healthcare providers and other employers. The state board of nursing centralizes credential verification. It can also act as an impartial body in reviewing complaints and disciplining professional misconduct. Verifying credentials protects institutions and individuals, including the most vulnerable patients.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How Do Nurses Become Licensed?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While each state board of nursing has distinct requirements and its own application process, the central elements are consistent across states.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Each nurse must graduate from an accredited nursing school, [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//nclex/guide/”]pass the NCLEX-RN[/hen-ui-link], and submit an application and a background check. Application fees typically cost $100-$300.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Once licensed, nurses must renew their licenses regularly by participating in approved continuing healthcare education. Some options include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Attending professional conferences[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Taking courses related to nursing practice[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Publishing articles in a peer-reviewed journal[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What Happens When a Nurse Fails to Renew Their License?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A nurse who fails to renew their license but still practices nursing has committed a crime by practicing without a license. They and their institution may become liable to significant penalties.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A nurse whose license lapses because they stopped practicing for a significant period may need to complete a refresher course to resume nursing. Each state board of nursing establishes particular requirements. The state BON may issue temporary waivers to allow nurses with recently lapsed licenses to practice in emergencies.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]State Board of Nursing vs. American Nurses Association[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The American Nurses Association (ANA) is a national membership organization for all nurses and represents the interests of nurses and the [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/reasons-to-choose-a-career-in-nursing//”]nursing profession[/hen-ui-link]. Membership is voluntary and not required for licensure.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]So, what is the difference between the state board of nursing and the ANA?[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The state board of nursing is a government body that oversees nursing licenses. While the ANA is an influential and respected voice and state boards of nursing will usually consider its suggestions, the ANA does not have the legal authority afforded by state boards of nursing.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Related Articles[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”slider” ids=”34440,49967,37153,34102″][/hen-ui-article-row]