Research

Administrative History

Chapter 293 of the Laws of 1903 authorized the Regents to appoint a board of nurse examiners to register training schools and nurses applying to the board for certification. During the early years the board concerned itself mainly with registration and certification duties, recommending curricula, and developing tests for prospective nurses. More recently its functions include administering and grading nursing-related examinations; providing expert opinions to the Office of Professional Discipline regarding cases under review; conducting disciplinary hearing panels and moral character screening; reviewing nursing educational programs; establishing pass points for examinations; resolving questions on illegal practices; preparing licensing examinations and selecting testing instruments; serving as the Education Department's liaison to the public, professional organizations, and other state agencies; continuously evaluating and reviewing standards for entry into the nursing profession; resolving scope of practice issues; and reviewing applications for licensure.