Nurse Practice laws and regulations are specific to each state. Below are summaries intended to provide an overview of the state practice environments and links to state specific interests. Not finding what you need? Members get more! Added state profiles are in process and will be added later in 2011-2012.
ALABAMA
Regulatory Structure: Collaborative practice.
National Certification Required: Yes.
Regulatory Agency: Board of Nursing (BON) and Board of Medicine (BOM)
Link to Nurse Practice Act: http://www.abn.state.al.us/Content.aspx?id=116
Group Members: /AANPCMS2/AboutAANP/AANPRegion11.htm
NP Programs in States: http://66.219.50.180/AANPPublicPages/npprogramlistingcrit.asp
ALASKA
Regulatory Structure: Autonomous practice.
National Certification Required: Yes.
Regulatory Agency: Board of Nursing (BON)
Link to Nurse Practice Act: http://www.commerce.state.ak.us/occ/pub/NursingStatutes.pdf
Group Members: /AANPCMS2/AboutAANP/AANPRegion10.htm
NP Programs in States: http://66.219.50.180/AANPPublicPages/npprogramlistingcrit.asp
ARIZONA
Regulatory Structure: Autonomous practice.
National Certification Required: Yes.
Regulatory Agency: Board of Nursing (BON)
Link to Nurse Practice Act: http://www.azbn.gov/Documents/npa/STATUTES%20-FINAL%20July%2029%202010.pdf
Group Members: /AANPCMS2/AboutAANP/AANPRegion9.htm
NP Programs in States: http://66.219.50.180/AANPPublicPages/npprogramlistingcrit.asp
ARKANSAS
Regulatory Structure: Collaborative practice.
National Certification Required: Yes.
Regulatory Agency: Board of Nursing (BON)
Link to Nurse Practice Act: http://www.arsbn.arkansas.gov/lawsRules/Documents/NURSEPRACTICEACT_2007__5_.pdf
Group Members: /AANPCMS2/AboutAANP/AANPRegion6.htm
NP Programs in States: http://66.219.50.180/AANPPublicPages/npprogramlistingcrit.asp
CALIFORNIA
Regulatory Structure: General supervision/delegation by a physician.
National Certification Required: No.
Regulatory Agency: Board of Nursing (BON)
Link to Nurse Practice Act: http://www.rn.ca.gov/regulations/title16.shtml
Group Members: /AANPCMS2/AboutAANP/AANPRegion9.htm
NP Programs in States: http://66.219.50.180/AANPPublicPages/npprogramlistingcrit.asp
COLORADO
Regulatory Structure: Autonomous practice.
National Certification Requirement: Yes.
Regulatory Agency: Board of Nursing (BON)
Link to Nurse Practice Act: http://www.dora.state.co.us/nursing/statutes/NursePracticeAct.pdf
Group Members: /AANPCMS2/AboutAANP/AANPRegion8.htm
NP Programs in States: http://66.219.50.180/AANPPublicPages/npprogramlistingcrit.asp
CONNECTICUT
Regulatory Structure: Collaboration with a physician.
National Certification Requirement: Yes.
Regulatory Agency: Board of Nursing (BON)
Link to Nurse Practice Act: http://www.cga.ct.gov/2005/pub/Chap378.htm
Group Members: /AANPCMS2/AboutAANP/AANPRegion1.htm
NP Programs in States: http://66.219.50.180/AANPPublicPages/npprogramlistingcrit.asp
DELAWARE
Regulatory Structure: Autonomous practice.
National Certification Requirement: Yes.
Regulatory Agency: Board of Nursing (BON)
Link to Nurse Practice Act: http://regulations.delaware.gov/AdminCode/title24/1900.shtml
Group Members: /AANPCMS2/AboutAANP/AANPRegion3.htm
NP Programs in States: http://66.219.50.180/AANPPublicPages/npprogramlistingcrit.asp
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Regulatory Structure: Autonomous practice.
National Certification Requirement: Yes.
Regulatory Agency: Board of Nursing (BON)
Link to Nurse Practice Act: http://hpla.doh.dc.gov/hpla/lib/hpla/nursing/nurse_practice_act.pdf
Group Members: /AANPCMS2/AboutAANP/AANPRegion3.htm
NP Programs in States: http://66.219.50.180/AANPPublicPages/npprogramlistingcrit.asp
FLORIDA
Regulatory Structure: General supervision/delegation by a physician.
National Certification Requirement: Yes.
Regulatory Agency: Board of Nursing (BON) and Board of Medicine (BOM)
Link to Nurse Practice Act: http://archive.flsenate.gov/statutes/index.cfm?m&App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=Ch0464/titl0464.htm&StatuteYear=2002&Title=%2D%3E2002%2D%3EChapter%2046
Group Members: /AANPCMS2/AboutAANP/AANPRegion11.htm
NP Programs in States: http://66.219.50.180/AANPPublicPages/npprogramlistingcrit.asp
GEORGIA
Regulatory Structure: General supervision/delegation by a physician.
National Certification Requirement: Yes.
Regulatory Agency: Board of Nursing (BON) and Board of Medicine (BOM)
Link to Nurse Practice Act: http://sos.georgia.gov/acrobat/PLB/laws/38_RN_43-26.pdf
Group Members: /AANPCMS2/AboutAANP/AANPRegion11.htm
NP Programs in States: http://66.219.50.180/AANPPublicPages/npprogramlistingcrit.asp
HAWAII
Regulatory Structure: Autonomous practice.
National Certification Requirement: Yes.
Regulatory Agency: Board of Nursing (BON)
Link to Nurse Practice Act: http://hawaii.gov/dcca/pvl/hrs/hrs_pvl_457.pdf
Group Members: /AANPCMS2/AboutAANP/AANPRegion9.htm
NP Programs in States: http://66.219.50.180/AANPPublicPages/npprogramlistingcrit.asp
IDAHO
Regulatory Structure: Autonomous practice.
National Certification Requirement: Yes.
Regulatory Agency: Board of Nursing (BON)
Link to Nurse Practice Act: http://www.legislature.idaho.gov/idstat/Title54/T54CH14.htm
Group Members: /AANPCMS2/AboutAANP/AANPRegion10.htm
NP Programs in States: http://66.219.50.180/AANPPublicPages/npprogramlistingcrit.asp
ILLINOIS
Regulatory Structure: Collaboration with a physician.
National Certification Requirement: Yes.
Regulatory Agency: Board of Nursing (BON)
Link to Nurse Practice Act: http://ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/068/06801300sections.html
Group Members: /AANPCMS2/AboutAANP/AANPRegion5.htm
NP Programs in States: http://66.219.50.180/AANPPublicPages/npprogramlistingcrit.asp
INDIANA
Regulatory Structure: Collaboration with a physician.
National Certification Requirement: Yes.
Regulatory Agency: Board of Nursing (BON)
Link to Nurse Practice Act: http://www.in.gov/pla/files/ISBN.2011_EDITION.pdf
Group Members: /AANPCMS2/AboutAANP/AANPRegion5.htm
NP Programs in States: http://66.219.50.180/AANPPublicPages/npprogramlistingcrit.asp
IOWA
Regulatory Structure: Autonomous practice.
National Certification Requirement: Yes.
Regulatory Agency: Board of Nursing (BON)
Link to Nurse Practice Act: http://www.iowa.gov/nursing/general_info/history.html
Group Members: /AANPCMS2/AboutAANP/AANPRegion7.htm
NP Programs in States: http://66.219.50.180/AANPPublicPages/npprogramlistingcrit.asp
KANSAS
Regulatory Structure: General supervision/delegation by a physician.
National Certification Requirement: Yes.
Regulatory Agency: Board of Nursing (BON)
Link to Nurse Practice Act: http://www.ksbn.org/npa/npa.pdf
Group Members: /AANPCMS2/AboutAANP/AANPRegion7.htm
NP Programs in States: http://66.219.50.180/AANPPublicPages/npprogramlistingcrit.asp
KENTUCKY
Regulatory Structure: Collaboration with a physician.
National Certification Requirement: Yes.
Regulatory Agency: Board of Nursing (BON)
Link to Nurse Practice Act:
Group Members: /AANPCMS2/AboutAANP/AANPRegion4.htm
NP Programs in States: http://66.219.50.180/AANPPublicPages/npprogramlistingcrit.asp
LOUISIANA
Regulatory Structure: Collaboration with a physician.
National Certification Requirement: Yes.
Regulatory Agency: Board of Nursing (BON)
Link to Nurse Practice Act: http://www.lsbn.state.la.us/Documents/npa/npafull.pdf
Group Members: /AANPCMS2/AboutAANP/AANPRegion6.htm
NP Programs in States: http://66.219.50.180/AANPPublicPages/npprogramlistingcrit.asp
MAINE
Regulatory Structure: Autonomous practice.
National Certification Requirement: Yes.
Regulatory Agency: Board of Nursing (BON)
Link to Nurse Practice Act: http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/32/title32ch31sec0.html
Group Members: /AANPCMS2/AboutAANP/AANPRegion1.htm
NP Programs in States: http://66.219.50.180/AANPPublicPages/npprogramlistingcrit.asp
MARYLAND
Regulatory Structure: Collaboration with a physician.
National Certification Requirement: Yes.
Regulatory Agency: Board of Nursing (BON)
Link to Nurse Practice Act: http://www.michie.com/maryland/lpext.dll?f=templates&fn=main-h.htm&2.0
Group Members: /AANPCMS2/AboutAANP/AANPRegion3.htm
NP Programs in States: http://66.219.50.180/AANPPublicPages/npprogramlistingcrit.asp
MASSACHUSETTS
Regulatory Structure: General supervision/delegation by a physician.
National Certification Requirement: Yes.
Regulatory Agency: Board of Nursing (BON) and Board of Medicine (BOM)
Link to Nurse Practice Act: http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eohhs2subtopic&L=5&L0=Home&L1=Provider&L2=Certification%2c+Licensure%2c+and+Registration&L3=Occupational+and+Professional&L4=Nursing&sid=Eeohhs2
Group Members: /AANPCMS2/AboutAANP/AANPRegion1.htm
NP Programs in States: http://66.219.50.180/AANPPublicPages/npprogramlistingcrit.asp
MICHIGAN
Regulatory Structure: General supervision/delegation by a physician.
National Certification Requirement: Yes.
Regulatory Agency: Board of Nursing (BON)
Link to Nurse Practice Act: No Nurse Practice Act. The rules and regulations governing nursing are embedded in the Public Health Code Act 368 and the Michigan Board of Nursing. http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?mcl-368-1978-15-172
Group Members: /AANPCMS2/AboutAANP/AANPRegion5.htm
NP Programs in States: http://66.219.50.180/AANPPublicPages/npprogramlistingcrit.asp
MINNESOTA
Regulatory Structure: Collaboration with a physician.
National Certification Requirement: Yes.
Regulatory Agency: Board of Nursing (BON)
Link to Nurse Practice Act: http://www.state.mn.us/mn/externalDocs/Nursing/Entire_Nurse_Practice_Act_042303011528_nursepracticeact2010.pdf
Group Members: /AANPCMS2/AboutAANP/AANPRegion5.htm
NP Programs in States: http://66.219.50.180/AANPPublicPages/npprogramlistingcrit.asp
MISSISSIPPI
Regulatory Structure: Collaboration with a physician.
National Certification Requirement: Yes.
Regulatory Agency: Board of Nursing (BON)
Link to Nurse Practice Act: http://www.msbn.state.ms.us/pdf/nsgpracticelaw2010.pdf
Group Members: /AANPCMS2/AboutAANP/AANPRegion11.htm
NP Programs in States: http://66.219.50.180/AANPPublicPages/npprogramlistingcrit.asp
MISSOURI
Regulatory Structure: Collaboration with a physician.
National Certification Requirement: Yes.
Regulatory Agency: Board of Nursing (BON), Prescription Only Under Joint Authority of the Board of Nursing (BON) and the Board of Medicine (BOM).
Link to Nurse Practice Act: http://pr.mo.gov/boards/nursing/npa.pdf
Group Members: /AANPCMS2/AboutAANP/AANPRegion7.htm
NP Programs in States: http://66.219.50.180/AANPPublicPages/npprogramlistingcrit.asp
MONTANA
Regulatory Structure: Autonomous practice.
National Certification Requirement: Yes.
Regulatory Agency: Board of Nursing (BON)
Link to Nurse Practice Act: http://bsd.dli.mt.gov/license/bsd_boards/nur_board/pdf/nur_statutes.pdf http://bsd.dli.mt.gov/license/bsd_boards/nur_board/pdf/nur_rules.pdf
Group Members: /AANPCMS2/AboutAANP/AANPRegion8.htm
NP Programs in States: http://66.219.50.180/AANPPublicPages/npprogramlistingcrit.asp
NEBRASKA
Regulatory Structure: Collaboration with a physician.
National Certification Requirement: Yes.
Regulatory Agency: Separate Advanced Practice Board
Link to Nurse Practice Act: http://www.dhhs.ne.gov/crl/statutes/Nursing-Nurse%20Practitioner%20Act.pdf , http://www.dhhs.ne.gov/crl/statutes/Nursing-Nurse%20Practice%20Act.pdf
Group Members: /AANPCMS2/AboutAANP/AANPRegion7.htm
NP Programs in States: http://66.219.50.180/AANPPublicPages/npprogramlistingcrit.asp
NEVADA
Regulatory Structure: Collaboration with a physician.
Continuing Education Requirement: None.
http://www.leg.state.nv.us/NAC/NAC-632.html#NAC632Sec340
Regulatory Agency: Board of Nursing (BON)
Link to Nurse Practice Act: http://www.leg.state.nv.us/NAC/NAC-632.html
Group Members: /AANPCMS2/AboutAANP/AANPRegion9.htm
NP Programs in States: http://66.219.50.180/AANPPublicPages/npprogramlistingcrit.asp
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Regulatory Structure: Autonomous practice.
National Certification Requirement: Yes.
Regulatory Agency: Board of Nursing (BON)
Link to Nurse Practice Act: http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/NHTOC/NHTOC-XXX-326-B.htm
Group Members: /AANPCMS2/AboutAANP/AANPRegion1.htm
NP Programs in States: http://66.219.50.180/AANPPublicPages/npprogramlistingcrit.asp
NEW JERSEY
Regulatory Structure: Collaboration with a physician.
National Certification Requirement: Yes.
Regulatory Agency: Board of Nursing (BON)
Link to Nurse Practice Act: http://www.state.nj.us/lps/ca/nursing/nurselaws.pdf
Group Members: /AANPCMS2/AboutAANP/AANPRegion2.htm
NP Programs in States: http://66.219.50.180/AANPPublicPages/npprogramlistingcrit.asp
NEW MEXICO
Regulatory Structure: Autonomous practice.
National Certification Requirement: Yes.
Regulatory Agency: Board of Nursing (BON)
Link to Nurse Practice Act: http://www.bon.state.nm.us/pdf/Statues.pdf
Group Members: /AANPCMS2/AboutAANP/AANPRegion6.htm
NP Programs in States: http://66.219.50.180/AANPPublicPages/npprogramlistingcrit.asp
NEW YORK
Regulatory Structure: Collaboration with a physician.
National Certification Requirement: No.
Regulatory Agency: Board of Nursing (BON)
Link to Nurse Practice Act: http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/nurse/nurse-guide-april09.pdf
Group Members: /AANPCMS2/AboutAANP/AANPRegion2.htm
NP Programs in States: http://66.219.50.180/AANPPublicPages/npprogramlistingcrit.asp
NORTH CAROLINA
Regulatory Structure: General supervision/delegation by a physician.
National Certification Requirement: Yes.
Regulatory Agency: Board of Nursing (BON) and Board of Medicine (BOM)
Link to Nurse Practice Act: http://www.ncbon.com/index.aspx
Group Members: /AANPCMS2/AboutAANP/AANPRegion4.htm
NP Programs in States: http://66.219.50.180/AANPPublicPages/npprogramlistingcrit.asp
NORTH DAKOTA
Regulatory Structure: Autonomous practice.
National Certification Requirement: Yes.
Regulatory Agency: Board of Nursing (BON)
Link to Nurse Practice Act: http://www.legis.nd.gov/cencode/t43c121.pdf
Group Members: /AANPCMS2/AboutAANP/AANPRegion8.htm
NP Programs in States: http://66.219.50.180/AANPPublicPages/npprogramlistingcrit.asp
OHIO
Regulatory Structure: Collaboration with a physician.
National Certification Requirement: Yes.
Regulatory Agency: Board of Nursing (BON)
Link to Nurse Practice Act: http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/4723
Group Members: /AANPCMS2/AboutAANP/AANPRegion5.htm
NP Programs in States: http://66.219.50.180/AANPPublicPages/npprogramlistingcrit.asp
OKLAHOMA
Regulatory Structure: General supervision/delegation by a physician.
National Certification Requirement: Yes.
Regulatory Agency: Board of Nursing (BON)
Link to Nurse Practice Act: http://www.ok.gov/nursing/act.pdf
Group Members: /AANPCMS2/AboutAANP/AANPRegion6.htm
NP Programs in States: http://66.219.50.180/AANPPublicPages/npprogramlistingcrit.asp
OREGON
Regulatory Structure: Autonomous practice.
National Certification Requirement: Yes.
Regulatory Agency: Board of Nursing (BON)
Link to Nurse Practice Act: http://www.oregon.gov/OSBN/adminrules.shtml
Group Members: /AANPCMS2/AboutAANP/AANPRegion10.htm
NP Programs in States: http://66.219.50.180/AANPPublicPages/npprogramlistingcrit.asp
PENNSYLVANIA
Regulatory Structure: Collaboration with a physician.
National Certification Requirement: Yes.
Regulatory Agency: Board of Nursing (BON)
Link to Nurse Practice Act: http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/049/chapter21/chap21toc.html
Group Members: /AANPCMS2/AboutAANP/AANPRegion3.htm
NP Programs in States: http://66.219.50.180/AANPPublicPages/npprogramlistingcrit.asp
RHODE ISLAND
Regulatory Structure: Autonomous practice.
National Certification Requirement: Yes.
Regulatory Agency: Board of Nursing (BON)
Link to Nurse Practice Act: http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/Statutes/TITLE5/5-34/INDEX.HTM http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/dar/regdocs/released/pdf/DOH/5128.pdf
Group Members: /AANPCMS2/AboutAANP/AANPRegion1.htm
NP Programs in States: http://66.219.50.180/AANPPublicPages/npprogramlistingcrit.asp
SOUTH CAROLINA
Regulatory Structure: General supervision/delegation by a physician.
National Certification Requirement: Yes.
Regulatory Agency: Board of Nursing (BON)
Link to Nurse Practice Act: http://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t40c033.htm ,
http://www.scstatehouse.gov/coderegs/c091.htm
Group Members: /AANPCMS2/AboutAANP/AANPRegion4.htm
NP Programs in States: http://66.219.50.180/AANPPublicPages/npprogramlistingcrit.asp
SOUTH DAKOTA
Regulatory Structure: Collaboration with a physician.
National Certification Requirement: Yes.
Regulatory Agency: Board of Nursing (BON) and Board of Medicine (BOM)
Link to Nurse Practice Act: http://legis.state.sd.us/statutes/DisplayStatute.aspx?Statute=36-9&Type=StatuteChapter http://legis.state.sd.us/statutes/DisplayStatute.aspx?Statute=36-9A&Type=StatuteChapter
Group Members: /AANPCMS2/AboutAANP/AANPRegion8.htm
NP Programs in States: http://66.219.50.180/AANPPublicPages/npprogramlistingcrit.asp
TENNESSEE
Regulatory Structure: General supervision/delegation by a physician for prescribing only.
National Certification Requirement: Yes.
Regulatory Agency: Board of Nursing (BON)
Link to Nurse Practice Act: http://health.state.tn.us/boards/nursing/legislative.htm
Group Members: /AANPCMS2/AboutAANP/AANPRegion4.htm
NP Programs in States: http://66.219.50.180/AANPPublicPages/npprogramlistingcrit.asp
TEXAS
Regulatory Structure: General supervision/delegation by a physician.
National Certification Requirement: Yes.
Regulatory Agency: Board of Nursing (BON)
Link to Nurse Practice Act: http://www.bne.state.tx.us/nursinglaw/pdfs/npa2009.pdf
Group Members: /AANPCMS2/AboutAANP/AANPRegion6.htm
NP Programs in States: http://66.219.50.180/AANPPublicPages/npprogramlistingcrit.asp
UTAH
Regulatory Structure: Collaboration with a physician for prescribing schedule II drugs only.
National Certification Requirement: Yes.
Regulatory Agency: Board of Nursing (BON)
Link to Nurse Practice Act: http://www.dopl.utah.gov/laws/58-31b.pdf
http://www.dopl.utah.gov/laws/R156-31b.pdf
Group Members: /AANPCMS2/AboutAANP/AANPRegion8.htm
NP Programs in States: http://66.219.50.180/AANPPublicPages/npprogramlistingcrit.asp
VERMONT
Regulatory Structure: Autonomous practice.
National Certification Requirement: Yes.
Regulatory Agency: Board of Nursing (BON)
Link to Nurse Practice Act: http://www.leg.state.vt.us/statutes/fullchapter.cfm?Title=26&Chapter=028
http://vtprofessionals.org/opr1/nurses/rules/NU_Rules.pdf
Group Members: /AANPCMS2/AboutAANP/AANPRegion1.htm
NP Programs in States: http://66.219.50.180/AANPPublicPages/npprogramlistingcrit.asp
VIRGINIA
Regulatory Structure: General supervision/delegation by a physician.
National Certification Requirement: Yes.
Regulatory Agency: Board of Nursing (BON) and Board of Medicine (BOM)
Link to Nurse Practice Act: http://www.dhp.virginia.gov/nursing/nursing_laws_regs.htm
Group Members: /AANPCMS2/AboutAANP/AANPRegion3.htm
NP Programs in States: http://66.219.50.180/AANPPublicPages/npprogramlistingcrit.asp
WASHINGTON
Regulatory Structure: Autonomous practice.
National Certification Requirement: Yes.
Regulatory Agency: Board of Nursing (BON)
Link to Nurse Practice Act: http://www.doh.wa.gov/hsqa/Professions/Nursing/laws.htm
Group Members: /AANPCMS2/AboutAANP/AANPRegion10.htm
NP Programs in States: http://66.219.50.180/AANPPublicPages/npprogramlistingcrit.asp
WEST VIRGINIA
Regulatory Structure: Collaboration with a physician for prescribing only.
National Certification Requirement: Yes.
Regulatory Agency: Board of Nursing (BON)
Link to Nurse Practice Act: http://apps.sos.wv.gov/adlaw/files/rulespdf/19-10.pdf
Group Members: /AANPCMS2/AboutAANP/AANPRegion3.htm
NP Programs in States: http://66.219.50.180/AANPPublicPages/npprogramlistingcrit.asp
WISCONSIN
Regulatory Structure: Collaboration with a physician.
National Certification Requirement: Yes.
Regulatory Agency: Board of Nursing (BON)
Link to Nurse Practice Act: http://legis.wisconsin.gov/rsb/code/n/n.html
Group Members: /AANPCMS2/AboutAANP/AANPRegion5.htm
NP Programs in States: http://66.219.50.180/AANPPublicPages/npprogramlistingcrit.asp
WYOMING
Regulatory Structure: Autonomous practice.
National Certification Requirement: Yes.
Regulatory Agency: Board of Nursing (BON)
Link to Nurse Practice Act: http://legisweb.state.wy.us/statutes/statutes.aspx?file=titles/Title33/T33CH21.htm
Group Members: /AANPCMS2/AboutAANP/AANPRegion8.htm
NP Programs in States: http://66.219.50.180/AANPPublicPages/npprogramlistingcrit.asp