Who determines the laws governing nurse practitioner authority?

The authority governing nurse practitioners (NPs) is primarily established by the Board of Nursing in each state. The Board of Nursing is responsible for creating and regulating the scope of practice for nursing professionals, including nurse practitioners. This includes determining the specific roles, responsibilities, and authority NPs have within the healthcare system.

The state legislature does play a significant role in the legislative process by enacting laws that shape healthcare practice standards, including those pertaining to NPs. However, it is the Board of Nursing that translates those laws into actionable regulations and guidelines that directly dictate NP practice.

While organizations such as the American Nursing Association advocate for nursing practice and may influence legislative changes, they do not have the authority to determine the laws governing NP practice directly. Similarly, the State Medical Association represents the interests of physicians and is focused on establishing policies related to medical practice rather than nursing authority. Thus, the Board of Nursing is the correct entity responsible for determining the laws that govern nurse practitioner authority.