What is the primary role of a Nurse Practice Act in nursing?

• A. Determine patient care plans
• B. Set professional licensing standards
• C. Establish hospital budgets
• D. Mandate nurse salaries

Answer: (B)

The main idea tested is that a Nurse Practice Act provides the legal framework for nursing practice. It authorizes licensure, defines the scope of practice, and sets education and continuing competency standards, with a state board enforcing rules and disciplinary actions to protect patients. This is why setting professional licensing standards is the best answer. The act does not determine individual patient care plans (those are clinical decisions within the nurse's scope), nor does it establish hospital budgets or mandate nurse salaries (those are administrative decisions outside professional regulation).