Can nurses legally provide healthcare services under a title different from their licensed title?

Nurses must practice under their licensed title to ensure clarity, accountability, and adherence to regulations that protect the public. Practicing under a different title can lead to confusion regarding a nurse’s qualifications and the scope of their practice. Licensing laws are designed to maintain high standards within the nursing profession; practicing under an unlicensed or non-licensure title undermines this framework and can jeopardize patient safety.

The regulations are put in place to ensure that patients receive care from appropriately qualified professionals. Misrepresentation, even if unintentional, can result in serious legal and professional consequences for the nurse, including potential disciplinary actions. Thus, it is crucial for nurses to accurately represent their credentials in all professional interactions.