Massachusetts Nurse Practice Act: Facility Guide
Every state and territory in the U.S. is responsible for enacting laws that promote safe and competent nursing care. In Massachusetts, Nurse Practice Act (NPA) provisions serve as the legal guidelines that all nursing professionals must follow to meet the highest standards of care.
While the NPA is enforced by the Board of Nursing, facilities are also responsible for implementing protocols that accurately reflect these provisions. In this article, we’ll summarize key parts of the Massachusetts NPA and share tips on how to promote compliance among your staff.
Massachusetts Nursing Practice Act at a Glance
Nurse credentialing requirements, scope of practice guidelines, delegation rules, and disciplinary guidelines can all be found in the Nurse Practice Act. Massachusetts facility leaders should familiarize themselves with these regulations to enforce appropriate practice protocols. Below is a summary of provisions outlined in the NPA and links to related resources.
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| Massachusetts Board of Nursing Rules and Regulations | Massachusetts General Laws (MGL):
Code of Massachusetts Regulations (CMR): |
| Nursing Licensure Requirements | To obtain a registered nurse (RN) license in Massachusetts, applicants must get licensed either by examination or reciprocity.
Steps to receive licensure by examination:
Steps to receive licensure by reciprocity:
More information about license renewal processes can be found on the Massachusetts BON website. |
| Scope of Practice Guidelines | MGL Section 80B broadly defines the scope of practice for RNs and licensed practical nurses (LPNs).
The practice of RNs includes, but is not limited to:
The practice of LPNs includes but is not limited to:
More detailed advisory rules on specific nursing tasks can be found on the Board of Nursing’s website. |
| Delegation Rules | According to 244 CMR 3.05 of the regulations supporting the Nursing Practice Act, Massachusetts RNs and LPNs are permitted to delegate selected activities to unlicensed assistive personnel. In summary, activities can be delegated if, among other things, they are:
Further delegation guidance can be found in the BON’s Five Rights of Delegation framework. |
| Violations and Penalties | MGL Chapter 112, Section 61 outlines activities that could result in disciplinary action. These activities include, but are not limited to:
According to 244 CMR 7.04 of the regulations supporting the Massachusetts Nurse Practice Act, the board of nursing has the authority to impose a range of penalties on a case-by-case basis, such as license revocation, suspension, or probation. |
| Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) State? | Massachusetts is not currently part of the NLC, meaning:
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Improving NPA Compliance: 3 Tips for Facilities
Now that we’ve provided an overview of the Massachusetts Nurse Practice Act, you’re likely wondering how to apply these provisions to build a better culture of safety at your facility. Here are three tips for improving staff compliance with the NPA.
1. Implement Clear Institutional Protocols
The Massachusetts NPA indicates that decision-making must be informed by facility-level job descriptions and policies, especially when it comes to delegation. It’s important to create clear protocols on how nurses should delegate activities while adhering to rules outlined in the NPA.
In addition to using the Five Rights of Delegation framework, facility leaders can also refer to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing’s (NCSBN) delegation guidelines for more guidance.
2. Protect Your Facility From Fake Nurses
The Massachusetts Nurse Practice Act strictly prohibits individuals from practicing nursing without a valid license. Although rare, some individuals may try to apply for jobs using fraudulent credentials. It’s important to protect your facility, team, and patients from fake nurses by thoroughly screening candidates during the hiring process. Watch out for resume red flags and verify licenses through the Massachusetts BON’s verification portal.
3. Send out Regular Reminders for Licensure Renewal
In Massachusetts, RN licenses expire in even numbered years and LPN licenses expire in odd numbered years. Nursing professionals have 90 days prior to the expiry date to renew their licenses, and they must stay active in order for nurses to continue practicing.
Sending out staff-wide reminders is a good way to ensure your nurses can easily access the education and training requirements to complete their renewals. This will help your staff maintain good standing with the Board of Nursing and prevent any legal issues.
Learn More Ways to Support Your Nursing Staff
Now that you have a better understanding of the Massachusetts Nurse Practice Act, you may be wondering what else you can do to support the care delivery of your staff. Get dozens of expert-written insights into healthcare management and compliance — all at no cost to you.
Legal Disclaimer: This article contains general legal information, but it is not intended to constitute professional legal advice for any particular situation and should not be relied on as professional legal advice. Any references to the law may not be current, as laws regularly change through updates in legislation, regulation, and case law at the federal and state level. Nothing in this article should be interpreted as creating an attorney-client relationship. If you have legal questions, you should seek the advice of an attorney licensed to practice in your jurisdiction.