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 learning objectives to address potential knowledge 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.

INTRODUCTION

Standards for nursing education and practice are established through laws known as Nurse Practice Acts (NPAs) enacted in each state or territory. The Florida Nursing Practice Act designates the Florida Board of Nursing as the authoritative body to define and regulate the nursing practice of every nurse in every role in the state. The Florida Board of Nursing is responsible for ensuring that nurses who practice in Florida are competent, safe, skilled, and knowledgeable about the standards set forth in Florida’s scope of practice for nurses (Toney-Butler, 2023).

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.