Which entity has authority to license and discipline registered nurses in Florida?

Which entity has authority to license and discipline registered nurses in Florida?

• A. Florida Department of Health
• B. Florida Board of Nursing
• C. Florida Board of Medicine
• D. Florida Department of Education

Answer: (B)

Authority to license and discipline registered nurses in Florida rests with the Florida Board of Nursing. This regulatory body, operating under the Florida Department of Health, is dedicated to nursing practice and is responsible for issuing RN licenses, setting licensure requirements, and enforcing disciplinary actions when the Nursing Practice Act is violated. The Department of Health provides the overarching supervision for health-related boards, but the actual licensing and disciplinary powers lie with the Board of Nursing. Other entities regulate different professions (for example, physicians are overseen by the Board of Medicine) or do not handle nursing licensure.

Authority to license and discipline registered nurses in Florida rests with the Florida Board of Nursing. This regulatory body, operating under the Florida Department of Health, is dedicated to nursing practice and is responsible for issuing RN licenses, setting licensure requirements, and enforcing disciplinary actions when the Nursing Practice Act is violated. The Department of Health provides the overarching supervision for health-related boards, but the actual licensing and disciplinary powers lie with the Board of Nursing. Other entities regulate different professions (for example, physicians are overseen by the Board of Medicine) or do not handle nursing licensure.