N108: Transition to the Registered Professional Nurse

N108: Transition to the Registered Professional Nurse Role Study Guide Reporting requirements related to abuse mandates nurses by law to report abuse of dependent people. Nurses are required to report suspected abuse of children, the elderly, and the disabled. Revocation of Licensure A license to practice any occupation becomes a property right of the individual once the state has awarded it. As long as an individual renews a license by paying the appropriate fees and meeting any requirements, such as continuing education, the license cannot be revoked without cause. Actions taken to restrict or remove a license are termed disciplinary action. Disciplinary action can only be taken based on criteria stated in the law. Examples of grounds to revoke nursing license include: • Endangering patients • Professional misconduct/unethical behavior • Substance abuse (drug or alcohol addiction)/drug diversion • Fraud or deceit in obtaining a license • Criminal conviction • Practicing outside the scope of practice • In some states, nurses who default on government sponsored education loans or an agreement regarding service in return for scholarship aid Federal Statutory Law These are laws passed by Congress. Drug control legislation is an example of a federal statute. Drug control laws are in place because of the fear of drug addiction. Potentially dangerous drugs require a prescription. Controlled substances, such as tranquilizers and narcotics, are required to be stored under lock and key, carefully inventoried, and documented in the course of practice. Laws starting with the 1914 Harrison Narcotic Act have strengthened controls over the sale and use of narcotics. State laws may differ from federal law in some cases. Some states allow the prescription of medical marijuana or lethal doses of drugs to kill patients. However, federal law prohibits these uses. Specific Federal Statutes that may Impact Nurses The Freedom of Information Act allows private citizens access to information held by the federal government. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA of 1990) prohibits employers from discriminating against qualified individuals with disabilities in job application procedures, hiring, firing, advancement, compensation, and job training. Employers may not ask about the existence, nature, or severity of a disability. Employers must provide reasonable accommodations for disabled workers. The ADA defines the definition of disability as the following: • The mental or physical impairment which limits at least one major life activity • The disability is on record • The individual is perceived as having a disability

©2017

Achieve Test Prep

Page 82

of 171