Pennsylvania Nurse Practice Act: Facility Guide
Nurses are essential members of the healthcare team, taking on a diverse range of responsibilities to meet the demands of patient care. Since the profession is constantly evolving, each state must enact laws that ensure all nurses are practicing within the scope of their education and training. In Pennsylvania, Nurse Practice Act (NPA) provisions serve as the legal guidelines that establish what nursing professionals can and cannot do in their roles.
For facility leaders, understanding these guidelines is essential for maintaining standards of professionalism and protecting patient safety. In this article, we’ll summarize key aspects of the Pennsylvania (PA) NPA and share tips on how to promote compliance among your staff.
Pennsylvania Nursing Practice Act at a Glance
At the state level, the PA Board of Nursing is responsible for enforcing the NPA and protecting the health and safety of individuals receiving care. However, facility leaders must also familiarize themselves with these provisions to implement accurate institutional policies. The NPA outlines the state’s credentialing requirements, scope of practice guidelines, and standards of conduct for various nursing roles, including:
- Registered Nurse (RN)
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
- Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (CRNP)
- Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
It’s important to note that the Nurse Practice Act of Pennsylvania also includes guidelines for dietitian-nutritionists. While this overview is focused on nursing professionals, you can find regulatory information about the dietitian-nutritionist role in Subchapter G. The following is a more detailed summary of provisions that pertain to nursing staff, with links to related resources.
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| Legal Authorities | Pennsylvania Code: |
| Nursing Licensure Requirements | To obtain an RN license in Pennsylvania, applicants must get licensed either by examination or endorsement.
Steps to receive licensure by examination:
Steps to receive licensure by endorsement:
More information about license renewal processes can be found on the Pennsylvania BON website. |
| Pennsylvania Nurse Practice Act Scope of Practice Guidelines | The NPA has separate sections defining the duties of each type of nursing role. The PA RN scope of practice is defined in Section 21.11. Example duties include:
The PA LPN scope of practice is defined in Section 21.145. In general, this section states that LPNs must use sound nursing judgment to participate in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of care. If patient care needs exceed their preparedness, they’re expected to communicate this to their team members. More information about the CRNP and CNS roles can be found in Subchapter C and Subchapter H, respectively. |
| Pennsylvania Nurse Practice Act Delegation Rules | There is currently no language on delegation in the state’s Nurse Practice Act. Pennsylvania’s Department of Health clarifies that RNs and LPNs cannot lawfully delegate nursing tasks to unlicensed members of the care team. |
| Violations and Penalties | Any individual who violates provisions outlined in the NPA may face disciplinary sanctions or civil penalties as determined by the board. Examples of violations specified in the NPA include:
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| Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) State? | Pennsylvania is part of the NLC, meaning that nurses within the state can practice according to the rules and guidelines established by the NLC. |
Improving NPA Compliance: 3 Tips for Facilities
Now that you have a better understanding of the Pennsylvania Nurse Practice Act, you may be wondering how to enforce it among your staff. Follow these three tips to promote compliance and build a better culture of safety at your facility.
1. Remind Staff to Complete Biennial CE Requirements
Pennsylvania has strict continuing education requirements, particularly on mandatory reporting. All healthcare professionals, including nurses, must complete two hours of biennial training from an approved program. To ensure your staff are maintaining these requirements, send out regular reminders that include links to state-approved CE courses.
2. Verify the Credentials of New Hires
Working as a nurse without a valid or active license is a violation of the PA NPA. When hiring candidates, take measures to verify all of their licenses and certifications. You should also stay vigilant for any resume red flags that indicate a candidate may be forging their credentials. If you suspect fraudulent activity, report this behavior to the Department of State as soon as possible.
3. Keep Up With Regulatory Changes to the NPA
The NPA is regularly amended to meet shifting standards of patient care. For example, PA officially joined the NLC in 2021 — and as of 2023, nurses can now hold a multistate license. Facility leaders should reference guidelines from the Department of Health and Board of Nursing before utilizing RNs and LPNs licensed through the NLC.
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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.