Nursing Practice Act
Printer-Friendly Version

Nursing Practice Act

Image of BON office

The Nursing Practice Act contains the laws enacted by the legislature which regulate the practice of nursing in North Carolina and guides the work of the Board.

Article 9. Nurse Practice Act. §§ 90-158 through 90-171.18: Recodified as §§ 90-171.19 through 90-171.47.

Proposed Changes to Laws

Updates to the NPA are made to reflect the current practice of nursing in an ever-changing health care environment and to ensure that the laws governing the regulation of nursing practice in North Carolina facilitate the work of the North Carolina Board of Nursing (Board) in its legislated mandate to protect the safety of the public. Session Law 2019-180 included a revision of vague, outdated (pre-HIPAA) language in the NPA, formatting and definition revisions, clarification of the subpoena power and disciplinary authority of the Board, and confidentiality protections for materials gathered by the Board. Additionally, self-reports regarding arrests or indictments should be made to the Board within 30 days for any of the following: (1) any felony arrest or indictment; (2) any arrest for driving while impaired or driving under the influence; and (3) any arrest or indictment for the possession, use, or sale of any controlled substance. It is also important to note that failure to respond to the Board’s inquiries in a reasonable manner or time regarding any matter affecting the license to practice nursing is reason for disciplinary action by the Board (North Carolina Session Law 2019-180, 2019 - PART II).

These changes are among several updates to the NPA outlined in the 2019 legislation.

Last Changed 29-Dec-2022

North Carolina Board of Nursing

Protect the public by regulating the practice of nursing.
Sitemap

Copyright © 2024
North Carolina Board of Nursing
All rights reserved

Terms of Service Privacy Policy

Contact Information

(919) 782-3211
(919) 781-9461
8 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon-Fri
North Carolina Board of Nursing