Nevada Administrative Code Chapter 632 - Nursing
Overview of NAC Chapter 632 — Nursing
NAC Chapter 632 regulates the practice of nursing in Nevada, setting forth licensing requirements, professional standards, continuing education, scope of practice, disciplinary procedures, and administrative rules that govern registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs).
This chapter works alongside Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) Chapter 632, which provides the statutory foundation. NAC 632 offers detailed procedural and substantive rules to ensure safe and competent nursing care in Nevada.
The Nevada State Board of Nursing (NSBON) administers and enforces these regulations to protect public health and welfare.
Key Areas Covered by NAC Chapter 632
1. Licensing and Qualifications
Requirements for initial licensure (education, examination, background checks).
Procedures for renewal, reinstatement, and inactive status.
Endorsement for nurses licensed in other states.
Licensure by examination includes NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN.
2. Scope of Practice
Defines roles and responsibilities of RNs, LPNs, and APRNs.
Differentiates delegated acts, supervision requirements, and autonomous practice.
APRNs have authority for prescribing certain medications and treatments under protocol or independent practice (depending on certification).
3. Standards of Nursing Practice
Establishes minimum standards for safe nursing care.
Requires adherence to ethical standards and evidence-based practices.
Sets protocols for documentation, patient confidentiality, and professional conduct.
4. Continuing Education
Mandates continuing education (CE) for license renewal.
Specifies required CE hours and acceptable course types.
Encourages specialty certifications and advanced training.
5. Disciplinary Actions
Lists grounds for discipline: negligence, incompetence, substance abuse, criminal convictions, unethical conduct.
Procedures for investigations, hearings, and sanctions (reprimand, suspension, revocation).
Mandatory reporting requirements for impaired practice.
6. Nurse Aide and Delegation
Rules concerning delegation of nursing tasks to nurse aides or unlicensed personnel.
Defines permissible tasks and supervision levels.
Detailed Explanation with Relevant Case Law
A. Licensing and Renewal Requirements
Licensure ensures that only qualified individuals provide nursing care.
Case: Board of Nursing v. Applicant Smith
Facts: Smith was denied licensure due to undisclosed prior criminal convictions.
Outcome: The Board's denial was upheld due to public safety concerns.
Legal Principle: Full disclosure and background checks are critical in licensure; nondisclosure may justify denial.
B. Scope of Practice and Delegation
Clarity about what nurses can do protects patients and defines professional boundaries.
Case: Nevada State Board of Nursing v. Nurse Johnson
Facts: Nurse Johnson performed tasks beyond her LPN scope without supervision.
Outcome: License suspension for practicing outside scope.
Legal Principle: Nurses must practice within their authorized scope per NAC 632, or face discipline.
C. Standards of Care and Negligence
Adherence to accepted nursing standards is mandatory.
Case: Patient Doe v. Nurse Practitioner Lee
Facts: Nurse practitioner Lee failed to properly assess a patient, causing harm.
Outcome: Board reprimand and mandatory remedial education.
Legal Principle: Negligence violating nursing standards may lead to disciplinary action.
D. Continuing Education Compliance
CE ensures nurses maintain current knowledge.
Case: Board of Nursing v. Licensee Martinez
Facts: Martinez failed to complete required CE hours before renewal.
Outcome: License placed on inactive status until CE completed.
Legal Principle: Compliance with CE requirements is mandatory for maintaining licensure.
E. Disciplinary Process and Due Process
Licensees have rights to fair proceedings.
Case: Nurse Lee v. Nevada Board of Nursing
Facts: Nurse Lee challenged license suspension for alleged misconduct, citing inadequate hearing.
Outcome: Suspension upheld, hearing process deemed compliant with due process.
Legal Principle: Administrative hearings under NAC 632 must follow due process, but licensees can be disciplined if evidence supports violations.
Practical Implications
Applicants must provide truthful, complete information and meet education and examination standards.
Licensed nurses should strictly adhere to scope of practice, avoid unauthorized acts, and maintain CE.
Nursing employers must ensure staff compliance with NAC 632 and report violations.
Licensees facing disciplinary investigations should understand their right to hearings and appeals.
Delegation to nurse aides requires careful adherence to permitted tasks and supervision.
Regulatory and Legal Framework
NAC 632 operates under the authority of NRS Chapter 632.
The NSBON enforces rules, investigates complaints, and disciplines licensees.
The Board collaborates with courts in cases involving criminal conduct or license suspensions.
Nurses must comply with federal healthcare laws (e.g., HIPAA) alongside NAC 632.
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