Purpose of the Indiana Nurse Practice Act

Core Mission: Public Protection

The Indiana Nurse Practice Act (IC 25-23) exists to protect the public from unsafe nursing practice and to define the legal scope of nursing in the state.

Key Functions

1. Define scope of practice: What RNs, LPNs, APRNs may/cannot do.
2. Set licensure standards: Education, examination (NCLEX), renewal, continuing competency.
3. Establish disciplinary authority: Indiana State Board of Nursing investigates complaints, sanctions violations (reprimand, probation, suspension, revocation).
4. Mandate reporting: Employers, nurses must report unsafe/incompetent practice.
5. Regulate delegation: Rules for RN delegation to unlicensed assistive personnel.
6. Define titles: Legal protection of "RN," "LPN," "APRN," "CNS," "CNM," "CRNA," "NP."

Quality Assurance Mechanisms

• Standards of practice aligned with national norms (ANA, NCSBN).
• Continuing education requirements for renewal.
• Prescriptive authority rules for APRNs (collaborative agreements).
• Impaired nurse program (confidential recovery monitoring).

Why It Matters

Without a clear, enforceable act, anyone could claim to be a nurse—endangering patients. The Act ensures accountability, competence, and legal clarity for a profession entrusted with life-and-death decisions.