Mission Statement

The mission of the Arizona State Board of Nursing is to protect and promote the welfare of the public by ensuring that each person holding a nursing license or certificate is competent to practice safely. The Board fulfills its mission through the regulation of the practice of nursing and the approval of nursing education programs. The mission, derived from the Nurse Practice Act, supersedes the interest of any individual, the nursing profession, or any special interest group.

Agenda Disclosure Statement

Staff post agendas of the Regularly Scheduled and Special Board Meetings on its website and in the main entrance to the lobby of 1740 West Adam, Phoenix AZ 85007 in accordance with 38-431.02. The agendas for committee meetings for the Scope of Practice, Education and Advanced Practice are also posted on the website and in the main entrance to the building.

Please note that all meetings are recorded and the recordings posted on the Board’s website within three days for Regular/Special Board Meetings and five working days after committee meetings in accordance with A.R.S. § 38-431.01(E).

All locations, dates, and times for official meetings scheduled on the website are tentative, unless a confirmed notice is posted on the website and in the lobby.

Please call the Board's office to confirm information at 602-771-7800

Budget

Financial Year 2021

Financial Year 2022

Financial Year 2023

Financial Year 2024

Performance Measures

Grants

Program Summary - Nursing Assistants

Program Summary - RN/LPN

Master Program List

Agency 5-Year Strategic Plan

Issue 1

Assure governance framework supports the Board's mission and vision

Description: Processes for defining and delivering good decisions and leadership for the good of the public as a whole through the regulation of the practice of nursing and the approval of nursing education programs.

Solutions:

1. Ensure board members are educated on principles of governance;
2. Improve evidenced based decision making by integrating data driven processes;
3. Enhance communication between the Board and consumers, key stakeholders and Advisory Committees to support change and innovation for improved public protection;
4. Develop educational outreach activities related to nursing regulation

Issue 2

License/certify only qualified nurses and nursing assistants that assures public safety

Description: Assuring only qualified individuals are licensed or certified and have the basic educational preparation to practice safely.

Solutions:

1. Improve processes for licensure/certification;
2. Implement "promising practices" from the National Council State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) Commitment to Ongoing Excellence research; c). Maximize use of technology for licensing applications/verifications;
3. Implement electronic finger printing process;
4. Implement legislation in 2019 for the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Compact

Issue 3

Investigate unsafe or incompetent nurses and licensed/certified nursing assistants; remediate or remove from practice

Description: Regulation-Enforcement, Discipline & CANDO Program. Enforcing scope and standards of practice of licensed nurses and licensed/certified nursing assistants.

Solutions:

1. Provide for an effective alternative to discipline under the program for nurses who have substance abuse disorders (CANDO) and other psychiatric/medical issues;
2. Promote evidenced based regulation and practice breakdown research that provides for public protection.
3. Provide for an effective probationary period for those that need monitoring due to licensing conditions;
4. Improve processes for investigations and compliance;
5. Update disciplinary guidelines for consistent sanctions utilizing evidence based regulation and precedents;

Issue 4

Review and approve or sanction nursing education programs consistent with Board rules

Description: Nursing Education Program Initial & Continuing Program Approval. Enforcing standards to promote the preparation of qualified candidates for licensure & certification.

Solutions:

1. Review and improve educational rules that guides quality education regardless of educational delivery method;
2. Identify research topics related to nursing regulation and develop strategies to conduct research.
3. Obtain program admission and completion data and partner with programs/facilities to address issues;
4. Review and investigate nursing program complaints and, evaluate for trends; report to nursing programs as is appropriate;
5. Support statewide conferences to enhance competencies of nursing program faculty;
6. Review and approve or sanction nursing educational programs consistent with Board rules;

Issue 5

Ensure nursing regulations are up-to-date and reflect state of the art & science of practice.

Description: The current trends in public policy, the nursing practice, and education.

Solutions: Monitor trends in public policy, nursing practice, and education and make amendments to the Nurse Practice Act, ensuring that the State's nursing statutes and rules reflect contemporary practice.

Resource Assumptions