As nursing duties and responsibilities become more complex, it can be difficult to regulate care quality. To manage these challenges, each state must establish rules and regulations to govern nursing practice, clarify delegation responsibilities, and specify licensure requirements. In Nevada, this set of laws is called the Nevada Nurse Practice Act.
Understanding the intricacies of the Nurse Practice Act (NPA) can help Nevada healthcare leaders improve regulatory compliance and patient care quality. In this article, we highlight important elements of the Nevada NPA and share tips for facility leaders looking to incorporate regulatory compliance into their facility's daily practices.
What Is the Nevada Nurse Practice Act?
LPNs, RNs, and APRNs practicing in Nevada are required to follow the rules and guidelines outlined in the state's nursing practice act. These laws:
- Outline minimum care standards that must be met in all healthcare facilities.
- Establish protocols for the maintenance and renewal of a Nevada nursing license.
- Standardize requirements for the state of Nevada nursing education programs.
- List penalties for different types of NPA violations.
- Set rules, regulations, and protocols of the Nevada state board of nursing.
Nurse Practice Act: Nevada Laws at a Glance
The first step to ensuring safe and appropriate patient care is to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations surrounding nursing practice. In the table below, we'll review Nevada Nurse Practice Act scope of practice guidelines, licensure requirements, delegation responsibilities, and penalties for rule violations.
| Nevada State Nurse Practice Act | |
|---|---|
| Legal Authorities | Nevada Revised Statutes, Title 54, Chapter 632:Sections 632.005 to 632.500Nevada Administrative Code, Chapter 632:Sections 632.010 to 632.940 |
| Nevada State Nursing Licensure Requirements | NevadaRN licensure applicantsmust qualify by either passing the NCLEX examination or getting a license endorsed from another state.Steps forNCLEX Exam Qualification:Graduate from a Nevada approved or accreditednursing education program.Submit an application with theappropriate fees.Complete a Nevada BONfingerprint card.Register for and pass theNCLEX examination.Steps forEndorsement Qualification:Graduate from a Nevada BON-approved nursing education program and submit verified transcripts.Complete a background check andfingerprint card.Present a valid license to practice nursing in another state.Submit an application with the appropriate fees forlicense verification.Note:The board may grant a non-renewableinterim permitfor nurses who are new to Nevada nursing practice and meet board specifications. This temporary license is valid for a maximum of 90 days.The Nevada Board of Nursing website also provides approximate timeframes for application processing and outlines the required steps torenew a nursing license. |
| Nevada Nurse Practice ActDelegation of Duties | Nursing professionalsare allowed to delegatewhen:The task is within the RN or LPN scope of practice (Nevada BON provides ahelpful flowsheetfor reference).The delegation of the task meets requirements of the administrativerules on delegation.The RN’s workplace or facility has established rules in place for the delegation of the task.The unlicensed employee has received training and has beenproven competentto perform the task.The nurse is able to instruct, supervise, and evaluate the performance of the nursing task.There is minimal risk to the client if the task is performed improperly.Nursing professionals areprohibited from delegatingtasks such as:Those that require thenursing process(assessment, interpretation, independent decision-making).Theadministration of medicationswithout state-sanctioned training.Those that require knowledge and skill beyond theunlicensed clinician’s legal scope. |
| Penalties | Any violation of the following rules outlined in the Nevada Revised StatutesSection 632.347represents grounds for disciplinary action. These include:Practicing any form of nursingwithout a legal license.Furnishing a license that was unlawfully or fraudulently obtained.Being convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude.Showing signs of incompetence by reason of negligence or recklessness.Demonstrating unprofessional conduct.Diverting or engaging in the unauthorized administration of a controlled substance.Any of the above violations could result in a suspended or revoked nursing license along with fines and public reprimand. |
| Is Nevada aNursing Compact State? | Nevadais notinvolved in theNursing Licensure Compact(NLC) agreement, meaning that:Nevada nurses must obtain additional licensure to practice out-of-state.Nurses from other states cannot practice in Nevada without applying for endorsement. |
Improving Regulatory Compliance: 3 Tips for Facilities
Now that you understand the basics of the Nevada Nurse Practice Act, you can empower your clinicians to provide high-quality patient care within their legal scope. Looking for additional strategies to boost team compliance? Here are three tips to help you get the ball rolling.
1. Report Suspected Misconduct
The Nevada board of nursing holds clinicians accountable for the care they provide. If you or any of your clinicians witness any employee misconduct that violates the Nevada NPA, it's important to report the incident to the Nevada board of nursing complaint portal.
Post resources explaining the goals of board oversight and empower team members to reach out to nursing managers with any questions or concerns. Be sure to convey that this oversight isn't meant to be punitive, but is done to preserve safety and maintain patient trust.
2. Encourage Participation in Shared Governance Councils
It's important to reiterate to nurses that legal mandates don't come just from executive offices and trickle down to the bedside. They're actually established with input from clinicians providing direct patient care. Nursing professionals who join shared governance councils drive facility-wide change efforts and create opportunities for self-managed professional practice.
In shared governance councils, clinicians collaborate with hospital administrators to develop policies and protocols according to state NPA laws. They also educate their peers on these policies, promoting employee buy-in and interdisciplinary teamwork.
3. Provide Staff Training on the Nevada NPA
While the Nevada NPA provides the framework for nursing practice, it's ultimately up to facility leaders to educate and empower their employees to provide high-quality care. Ask your team how they learn best and cater your NPA training offerings to meet their preferences. Options include:
- Hosting an in-person NPA seminar during annual competency sessions.
- Developing a paid online CE course for staff members to complete on their own time.
- Posting Nevada NPA nursing resources to your facility's website.
Find Additional Strategies to Support Your Team
Taking time to familiarize yourself with the Nevada Nurse Practice Act can help you meet your organization's clinical goals. Stay ahead of healthcare's latest developments through our expertly written facility guides and management insights, designed to help improve safety, care quality, and staff wellness.
Legal Disclaimer: This article contains general legal information, but it is not intended to constitute professional legal advice for any particular situation and should not be relied on as professional legal advice. Any references to the law may not be current, as laws regularly change through updates in legislation, regulation, and case law at the federal and state level. Nothing in this article should be interpreted as creating an attorney-client relationship. If you have legal questions, you should seek the advice of an attorney licensed to practice in your jurisdiction.