2007 Resolution - Number 13-07

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SUBJECT: State Nurse Practice Acts

Introduced by: Anne Bové, RN, NYSNA Delegate Assembly President

Action: Passed 3/22/07

WHEREAS, a registered nurse is a health care professional responsible for implementing the practice of nursing through the use of the nursing process in concert with other health care professionals; and

WHEREAS, registered nurses work as patient advocates for the care and recovery of the sick and maintenance of the healthy; and

WHEREAS, in their work as advocates for the patient, registered nurses ensure that the patient receives appropriate and professional care; and

WHEREAS, in order to safeguard life and health, any person practicing or offering to practice nursing for compensation shall be required to submit evidence that he or she is qualified to so practice and shall be licensed as outlined in a scope of practice; and

WHEREAS, in the United States, this scope of practice is determined by a set of laws known as the Nurse Practice Act of the state or territory in which a registered nurse is licensed; and

WHEREAS, State Nurse Practice Acts for a registered nurse reflect the level and content of education required to practice and outlines the respective roles of the registered nurse, nurse practitioner and licensed practical/vocational nurse;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the UAN reaffirm commitment to the maintenance and protection of State Nurse Practice Acts for the profession of nursing and ultimately for the protection of patients, whether it be the individual or the community at large.