Alaska Nurse Practice Act: Facility Guide
Nurses represent the largest workforce in the healthcare industry, with new roles continuously being established to meet the shifting demands of patient care. To keep patients safe and ensure that these roles are being carried out appropriately, each state is responsible for regulating and governing nursing practice. In Alaska, Nurse Practice Act (NPA) provisions serve as important guidelines for what nursing professionals can and cannot do.
As a facility leader, it’s important to learn how to apply provisions in the NPA to enforce accurate care protocols. In this article, we’ll provide an overview of the Alaska NPA and provide tips to promote compliance among your staff.
Alaska Nurse Practice Act at a Glance
The Alaska NPA outlines a set of provisions that define credentialing processes, professional standards, and scope of practice guidelines. The primary purpose of these provisions is to protect patients from unsafe or inappropriate nursing care. The table below summarizes components of the NPA that may be most relevant to your facility and staff.
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| Legal Authorities | Alaska Statutes:
Alaska Administrative Code: |
| Nursing Licensure Requirements | To obtain a registered nurse (RN) license in Alaska, applicants must either pass the NCLEX examination or receive licensure through endorsement.
Steps to Receive Licensure by Examination:
Steps to Receive Licensure by Endorsement:
More information about licensure renewal can be found on the Alaska Board of Nursing’s website. |
| Scope of Practice Guidelines | In the State of Alaska, LPN scope of practice guidelines and RN scope of practice guidelines are referenced in 12 AAC 44.290 of the NPA and outlined in more detail on the Board of Nursing’s scope of practice chart.
Alaska nurse practitioner scope of practice guidelines are referenced in 12 AAC 44.430 of the NPA. Nurse practitioners are generally expected to follow established guidelines from professional nursing associations recognized by the board. |
| Delegation Rules | Rules on what nursing professionals can and cannot delegate are outlined in 12 AAC 44.950 of the NPA. In general, a licensed nurse may delegate nursing duties to other staff, including unlicensed assistive personnel, under the following conditions:
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| Penalties | All activities that are considered unprofessional conduct are outlined in 12 AAC 44.870 of the NPA.
Penalties for participating in these activities or violating any other provision of the NPA are determined through court proceedings and by the Board of Nursing. |
| Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) State? | Alaska is not currently part of the NLC, meaning that:
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Improving NPA Compliance: 3 Tips for Facilities
Enforcing the Alaska Nurse Practice Act can help you protect your patients and build a better culture of safety. Follow these tips to keep your nursing staff informed and equipped to meet the highest standards of care.
1. Provide Regular Staff Education and Training
As a facility leader, it’s important to establish institutional policies that facilitate duties and delegation among your nursing staff. The Alaska Board of Nursing provides dozens of resources that can help you and your staff adhere to scope of practice guidelines. You should refer your staff to these resources and conduct regular training on protocols specific to your facility.
2. Ensure Your Staff’s Credentials Are Up-To-Date
Under the Alaska Nurse Practice Act, delivering nursing care without a license or with an expired license is prohibited. Not only does this endanger patients, but it can also lead to other penalties and fees. To ensure your nursing staff is staying on top of credentialing, you can send out regular reminders to complete any required competencies and apply for renewal.
3. Stay Informed About Regulatory Updates
Regulations impacting nursing practice can change, and it’s important to stay informed about any amendments to the NPA which can impact your nursing team. You can stay informed of key updates through the Board of Nursing’s website.
Discover More Ways to Maintain Compliance
Looking for more ways to support your staff’s compliance with the Alaska Nurse Practice Act and other regulations? IntelyCare is here to help. Get dozens of practical tips and expert-written healthcare management insights through our free newsletter.
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.