Nurse Practice Acts Guide and Govern Nursing Practice

The practice of nursing is a right granted by a state to protect those who need nursing care, and safe, competent nursing practice is grounded in the guidelines of the state nurse practice act (NPA) and its rules. All nurses have a duty to understand their NPA and to keep up with ongoing changes as this dynamic document evolves and the scope of practice expands. This article reviews the reasons for and the importance of state NPAs and associated rules.