What responsibilities does the Florida Board of Nursing have?

The Florida Board of Nursing's primary responsibilities revolve around the regulation and oversight of nursing professionals within the state. Licensing, monitoring, and disciplining its licensees is vital for maintaining the standards of nursing practice and ensuring the safety and well-being of patients. This includes the issuance of nursing licenses to qualified individuals, ongoing evaluation of the competency of licensed nurses, and taking disciplinary action when necessary to uphold professional standards and protect the public.

The responsibilities of developing curricula for medical schools, conducting health research, and overseeing medical malpractice cases fall outside the purview of the Board. Medical schools typically operate independently and are governed by their respective accreditation bodies. Health research is more often conducted by academic institutions or specialized organizations. Medical malpractice cases are addressed within the legal system rather than through the nursing regulatory board, as malpractice pertains to legal accountability rather than licensure and practice regulation. Thus, monitoring and enforcing nursing practices is a key function of the Florida Board of Nursing, ensuring that nursing professionals meet the required standards to deliver safe and effective care.