What is the primary purpose of the Florida Nurse Practice Act?

The primary purpose of the Florida Nurse Practice Act is to protect the health and safety of the public. This legislation establishes the legal framework for the practice of nursing within the state, ensuring that licensed nurses meet specific standards of care and competency. By regulating nursing practice, the Act seeks to safeguard patients from unsafe and unqualified practitioners, thereby enhancing public trust in the nursing profession.

The other options—financial support for nursing education, standardizing nursing salaries, or promoting research and innovation—are important aspects of the overall healthcare environment but do not directly reflect the primary focus of the Nurse Practice Act. Instead, the Act is fundamentally concerned with ensuring that nursing practice is carried out safely and effectively to maintain the welfare of patients and the community.