Analyzing nursing regulation worldwide

Given the significant global variations in language, culture, legal traditions, and health systems, a clear need exists to develop an understanding of nursing regulation that supports safe global movement of nurses. Promoting clear communication and information sharing among nurse regulatory bodies is an essential step toward protecting patients worldwide. Despite nurses' increased mobility, little information is available to promote timely, efficient evaluation of migrating nurses' educational qualifications, continuing competency, and disciplinary and work histories. The research described below was intended to enhance global information sharing among nurse regulators, aid the development of a system that efficiently validates nurses' eligibility, and thus manage risk associated with increasing nurse migration, and allow recognition of best practices.