Implications of the Affordable Care Act on Nursing Regulation and Practice

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is expected to add 32 million people seeking primary and preventive services and treatment. This significant increase in health care consumers, as well as other health-related trends, will have a major effect on the health care system, nurses, and nurse regulators. This article, presented by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, discusses the implications of the ACA and other health care trends for nurse regulators, including workforce, education, practice, public protection, and policy issues.