Which entity is primarily responsible for nursing licensure in many jurisdictions?

• A. American Medical Association
• B. Board of Nursing
• C. World Health Organization
• D. National Institutes of Health

Answer: (B)

Licensing is a regulatory function handled by professional licensing authorities at the jurisdiction level. In nursing, the Board of Nursing oversees who may practice, sets the requirements to become licensed, administers or authorizes licensure (including eligibility, the licensing exam, and issuing licenses), and handles renewals and disciplinary actions to maintain safe practice. This board operates under a nursing practice act that defines the scope of nursing and the standards for conduct. That’s why the Board of Nursing is the primary entity responsible for nursing licensure.

The other organizations don’t grant nursing licenses: the American Medical Association focuses on physicians, the World Health Organization does not issue professional licenses, and the National Institutes of Health funds research and provides health information rather than licensing credentials.