Question

When a nurse delegates, she/he gets the legal authority for the delegation from: a. Nurse Practice Act b. American Nurses Association Standards of Practice c. American Nurses Association Code of Ethics d. Public Health Act

Short answer

a. Nurse Practice Act

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Delegation

First, understand the concept being asked about. Delegation in nursing involves transferring authority to perform a specific nursing task in a specific situation to a competent individual.

Identify Sources of Legal Authority

Next, identify the sources that provide legal authority for nursing practices. Typically, these sources include laws and regulations governing nursing at the state or federal level.

Review Given Options

Review each option to understand which one is most closely associated with providing legal authority for delegation: a. Nurse Practice Act b. American Nurses Association Standards of Practice c. American Nurses Association Code of Ethics d. Public Health Act

Analyze Each Option

Analyze each option: a. The Nurse Practice Act is a state law that governs nursing practice, including delegation.b. The American Nurses Association Standards of Practice outline professional performance but do not provide legal authority.c. The American Nurses Association Code of Ethics provides a framework for ethical decision-making, not legal authority.d. The Public Health Act deals with public health issues, not specifically nursing delegation.

Select the Correct Answer

Based on the analysis, the Nurse Practice Act is the source that provides the legal authority for delegation.

Key concepts

Nurse Practice Act

The Nurse Practice Act (NPA) is a state law that serves as the foundation for nursing practice in the U.S. It delineates the scope of nursing practice and establishes guidelines for the nursing profession.
The main goal of the NPA is to protect the public by ensuring that nurses practice safely and competently.
This law describes who nurses can delegate tasks to, and sets the criteria for what nurses can and cannot do.
By understanding and following the NPA, nurses ensure that they are complying with legal requirements when they delegate tasks.

Nursing Delegation

Nursing delegation is a vital part of modern healthcare. It involves transferring the responsibility for performing a specific task to another person while retaining accountability for the outcome.
For example, a registered nurse (RN) may delegate a task to a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or a certified nursing assistant (CNA).
However, the RN must ensure that the person to whom the task is delegated has the necessary skills and training.
Proper delegation helps optimize healthcare delivery and ensures that patient care is provided efficiently.

Legal Authority in Nursing

Legal authority in nursing practice comes from various sources such as laws, regulations, and professional standards.
The Nurse Practice Act (NPA) is one key source of this authority. State boards of nursing also play a critical role in interpreting and enforcing the NPA.
These boards issue licenses to nurses and have the authority to take disciplinary actions when necessary.
By complying with these legal guidelines, nurses help ensure public safety and maintain professional integrity.

Nursing Regulations

Nursing regulations are rules and guidelines that govern nursing practice. They are developed and enforced by state boards of nursing.
These regulations cover a wide range of topics, including licensure, continuing education, and standards of practice.
Compliance with nursing regulations is essential for maintaining licensure and ensuring safe and effective patient care.
Nurses must stay informed about changes in regulations to remain compliant and competent in their practice.