Fundamentals of Nursing Q 32
Besides the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JACHO), which governing agency regulates hospitals to allow continued safe services to be provided, funding to be received from the government, and penalties if guidelines are not followed?
A. Board of Nursing Examiners (BNE)
B. Nurse Practice Act (NPA)
C. American Nurses Association (ANA)
D. Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)
Correct Answer: D. Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)
If the hospital fails to follow ADA guidelines for meeting special needs, the facility loses funding and status for receiving low-income loans or reimbursement of expenses. ADA protects the civil rights of disabled people. It applies to both the hospital clients and hospital staff. Privacy issues for persons who are positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have been one issue in relation to getting information when hospital staff has been exposed to unclean sticks. The ADA allows the infected client the right to choose whether or not to disclose that information.
Option A: Boards of nursing are state governmental agencies that protect the public’s health by overseeing and ensuring safe nursing practice. They establish standards for safe nursing care and issue licenses to practice nursing, monitor licensees’ compliance to state laws, and take action against the licenses of nurses who have exhibited unsafe nursing practice. Most boards also review and approve or accredit nursing education programs to ensure that graduates are prepared for safe, effective practice.
Option B: Every state and territory in the US sets laws to govern the practice of nursing. These laws are defined in the Nursing Practice Act (NPA). The NPA is then interpreted into regulations by each state and territorial nursing board with the authority to regulate the practice of nursing care and the power to enforce the laws. Fifty states, District of Columbia and 4 United States (US) territories, have state boards of nursing (BON) that are responsible for regulating their individual NPA.
Option C: The American Nurses Association (ANA) is the premier organization representing the interests of the nation’s 4 million registered nurses. ANA is at the forefront of improving the quality of health care for all. Founded in 1896, and with members in all 50 states and U.S. territories, ANA is the strongest voice for the profession.