Differences Between a Board of Nursing and Professional Nurse Associations
A Board of Nursing (BON) functions as an executive-branch state government agency vested with the authority to enforce extant laws and regulations governing nursing practice, aimed at safeguarding public welfare (Short & Loversidge, 2019; National Council State Board of Nursing, Inc., 2022). The primary objective of a Board of Nursing is to ensure public health and safety by ensuring that all nurses are duly licensed and capable of delivering safe and competent nursing care (Nursing regulation, 2022).
Professional Nurse Associations vs. Board of Nursing
Distinguished from Boards of Nursing, professional nursing associations are private organizations that require membership dues for access to benefits. For instance, the American Nurses Association operates as a professional nursing association advocating for nurses in the profession (American Nurses Association, 2021). The composition of a Board of Nursing, such as the Florida Board of Nursing (FBON), typically includes appointees by the Governor, with diverse representation, including registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, laypersons, and individuals over 60 years old (Toney-Butler & Martin, 2021).
Medical Necessity: A Federal Regulation of Healthcare
Medical necessity, as defined by Medicare, encompasses services or items deemed reasonable and necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of illnesses or injuries, or for improving the function of malformed body parts (CMS, 2021; Verhovshek, 2019). Compliance with medical necessity regulations can significantly impact healthcare delivery, potentially causing delays in treatment due to stringent diagnosis requirements and insurer pre-approval processes.
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