Board Members | North Carolina Board of Nursing

Who They Are and What They Do

The Board is comprised of 14 members charged with implementation of policy and overseeing the activities of the Board of Nursing.

Elected nurse members fill 11 seats on the Board. Registered Nurses hold 8 positions and Licensed Practical Nurses hold 3 positions.

In addition to its 11 elected members, the Board has 3 public members. The Governor, the President Pro-tem Senate and the House Speaker each appoint a member to serve. Anyone interested in serving on the Board as a public member should contact their local State Senator or Representative.

Both elected nurse members and public members serve a 4-year term and may be elected/re-appointed for a second term not to exceed 8 consecutive years on the Board. Board members spend an average of 30 days per year carrying out these duties. Additional time may be spent depending upon Committee assignments and participation in other Board-related activities.

Duties and Responsibilities

In addition to issuing, renewing and reinstating nursing licenses for Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses, Board responsibilities include:

Approving and monitoring the state’s nursing education programs which lead to initial licensure throughout the state;
Interpreting the practice of nursing in North Carolina based on the Nursing Practice Act;
Investigating complaints against licensed nurses and taking appropriate actions when deemed necessary;
Administering the Nurse Licensure Compact;
Maintaining the Nurse Aide II Registry;
Regulating the practice of Nurse Practitioners and Nurse Midwives.

Board members spend an average of 30 days per year in carrying out these duties. Additional time may be spent depending upon Committee assignments and participation in other Board-related activities.