Arkansas Nurse Practice Act: Facility Guide
Nurses currently make up the largest workforce in the healthcare sector, and new roles are constantly being established to meet the demands of patient care. To ensure that these roles are well-defined and regulated, each state oversees its own set of laws that govern everything related to the nursing profession. In Arkansas, Nurse Practice Act (NPA) provisions serve as the legal guidelines that nurses must follow to meet standards of care and keep patients safe.
As a facility leader, you may be looking for resources to help you understand the NPA and enforce appropriate care protocols. To help break this information down, we’ll provide an overview of the Arkansas NPA and share tips on how to promote compliance among your staff.
Arkansas State Nurse Practice Act at a Glance
The Arkansas NPA is enforced and maintained by the state’s board of nursing (BON). These provisions define nursing roles, professional standards, and scope of practice guidelines, which we’ll broadly summarize in the table below.
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| Arkansas State Board of Nursing Rules and Regulations | Arkansas Code:
Arkansas Administrative Code: |
| Nursing Licensure Requirements | To obtain a registered nurse (RN) license in Arkansas, applicants must either pass the NCLEX examination or submit an endorsement application to the BON.
Steps to Receive Licensure by Examination:
Steps to Receive Licensure by Endorsement:
More information about licensure renewal or temporary permits can be found on the Arkansas BON website. |
| Arkansas Nurse Practice Act RN Scope of Practice Guidelines | The Arkansas NPA does not explicitly define what tasks an RN or any other nursing professional can and cannot do. However, Sec 17-87-102 broadly states that the “practice of professional nursing” for RNs and advanced practice nurses (APRNs) entails:
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| Arkansas Nurse Practice Act Delegation Rules | Delegation guidelines for nursing professionals are outlined in Chapter 5 of Arkansas BON rules. In summary, these guidelines specify that all licensed nurses should:
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| Penalties | Under Sec 17-87-104 of the NPA, actions defined as a misdemeanor include:
If a nursing professional conducts a misdemeanor, they could face up to $1000 in fines and any additional penalties, such as a license suspension, which may be imposed by the BON. |
| Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) State? | Arkansas 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
Facility leaders must take appropriate measures to enforce the Arkansas Nurse Practice Act and hold staff accountable for the care that they provide. Follow these tips to help your nursing staff meet all professional standards and build a better culture of safety.
1. Stay Informed About Changes to the NPA
Nursing regulations can change quite frequently, and it’s important for both facility leaders and staff to stay on top of regulatory updates. By staying informed about the Nurse Practice Act, Arkansas facility leaders can shape more effective and accurate institutional care protocols. Staff should be regularly trained about these protocols and given clear steps for identifying, reporting, and addressing any incidents that occur on the floor.
2. Verify Credentials During the Hiring Process
The Arkansas NPA clearly prohibits individuals from using fraudulent nursing credentials. To protect your facility and patients from fake nurses, it’s important to thoroughly screen applicants during the hiring process. Take steps to verify the credentials of your candidates and watch out for resume red flags, such as non-accredited nursing schools. You can report any suspicious behavior or possible fraud by submitting a complaint to the Arkansas BON.
3. Send Out License Renewal Reminders
In Arkansas, licensed practical nurses (LPNs), RNs, and APRNs must renew their licenses every two years and complete continuing education (CE) requirements prior to each renewal. Sending out regular reminders will help your staff maintain an active license and prevent unlawful nursing practice. You can find all Arkansas nursing renewal requirements and a list of accredited CE programs on the Arkansas BON’s website.
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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.