Florida Laws and Rules for Nursing

CONTACT HOURS: 2

BY: 

Adrianne E. Avillion, DEd, MSN, RN; Persis Mary Hamilton, EdD, MSN, BSN, PHN, PMHN

LEARNING OUTCOME AND OBJECTIVES:  Upon completion of this course, you will be prepared to comply with the laws and rules that govern nursing practice in the state of Florida, including those from the Florida Statutes and Administrative Code. Specific objectives to address potential learning gaps include:

  • Describe the role of the Florida Board of Nursing.
  • Contrast the Florida Board of Nursing with nursing professional organizations and the Florida Nurses Association.
  • Discuss the levels of nursing practice in Florida.
  • Explain the factors for safe delegation to unlicensed assistive personnel.
  • Identify the requirements for renewing a nursing license in Florida.
  • Explain how the nursing Code of Ethics guides nursing practice.
  • Discuss Florida nursing law violations and subsequent disciplinary/rehabilitation actions.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  • Introduction
  • Florida Nursing Laws and Rules
  • Levels of Nursing Practice in Florida and Associated Rules
  • Delegation to Unlicensed Assistive Personnel
  • Licensure Renewal Requirements
  • Ethics and Nursing Practice
  • Discipline Related to Nursing Practice
  • Conclusion
  • Resources
  • References

INTRODUCTION


The establishment of standards for nursing education and practice is the result of efforts by nursing associations that began over 100 years ago. Currently in each state or territory, a law known as the Nurse Practice Act (NPA) designates an authoritative body that defines and regulates the nursing practice of every nurse in every role. This authoritative body, known as a board of nursing, is responsible for ensuring that nurses who practice in the state for which they have responsibility are competent, safe, skilled, and knowledgeable about the standards set forth in that state’s scope of practice for nurses (NCSBN, 2018).

This course discusses the standards for the safe practice of nursing in the state of Florida as written by the Florida Board of Nursing in accordance with the Florida Statutes and Administrative Code.