Guidance regarding the interpretation and application of the Nurse Practices Act (NPA) may be adopted by the ND Board of Nursing (Board) as a means of providing direction to licensees and stakeholders who seek to ensure safe nursing practice and to address issues of concern relevant to public protection. (North Dakota Century Code (NDCC) 43-12.1-08(2)(p)).
Board approved practice guidance does not carry the force and effect of law or rules. Each licensed nurse (nurse) is responsible and accountable to practice according to the standards of practice prescribed by the board and the profession; and must accept responsibility for judgments, individual nursing actions, competence, decisions, and behavior in the course of nursing practice.(Standards of Practice, North Dakota Administrative Code (NDAC) 54-05-01-07 and 54-05-02-04). “Competence": means the application and integration of knowledge, skills, ability, and judgment necessary to meet standards. (NDAC 54-01-03-01(16)).
By law, the scopes of practice for the registered nurse (RN) and the license practical nurse (LPN) differ. The RN functions at an independent level while the LPN functions at a dependent level. This chart provides a snapshot comparison. For more information, please refer to the NDCC (Chapter 43-12.1), the NDAC (Title 54), and the NDBON’s Practice FAQ here - Practice FAQ.
Click here for the RN and LPN Scope of Practice: Components of Nursing Comparison Chart
