SCOPE OF PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH NURSING

INTRODUCTION:

The nursing profession, by developing and articulating the scope and standards of professional nursing practice, defines its boundaries and informs society about the parameters of nursing practice. The scope and standards also guides the development of state level nurse practice acts, rule and regulations governing nurse practice. Because each state develops its own laws regulating nursing, the designated limits, functions, and titles for nurses, particularly at the Advanced Practice level, may differ significantly from state to state. Nurses must ensure that their practice remains within the boundaries as defined by their state practice acts. Individual nurses are accountable for nursing that they practice within the limits of their own competency, professional code of ethics and professional practice standards. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) has made some progress (Compact and Model Practice Acts) to support standardization across states, recognizing that new trends in health care, including telehealth, require that nurses move more seamlessly between states to promote access to care.

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