Iowa Administrative Code Agency 655 - Nursing Board
Overview: Iowa Administrative Code Agency 655 — Nursing Board
Agency 655 governs the Iowa Board of Nursing, which regulates the practice of nursing within Iowa. The Board’s mission is to protect the public’s health and safety by ensuring that nurses are competent and qualified to practice safely and ethically.
Key Roles and Responsibilities of the Nursing Board (Agency 655)
1. Licensing and Certification
The Board establishes requirements for licensure of registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), advanced registered nurse practitioners (ARNPs), and other nursing roles.
Licensing requires applicants to meet educational standards, pass examinations, and complete application procedures.
The Board issues licenses and maintains records of licensed nurses.
2. Examinations
The Board approves and administers or recognizes licensing examinations, such as the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN, to assess nursing competence.
Passing these exams is mandatory before initial licensure.
3. Continuing Education and Renewal
Nurses must complete continuing education (CE) requirements to renew their licenses.
Agency 655 specifies the amount and types of CE necessary, ensuring nurses stay current with healthcare practices and standards.
The Board manages license renewal cycles, including fees and documentation.
4. Practice Standards and Rules
The Board sets standards of practice and professional conduct for nurses.
This includes guidelines for safe patient care, ethical behavior, and compliance with healthcare regulations.
The Board defines scope of practice for various nursing roles to ensure nurses work within their qualifications.
5. Complaint Investigation and Discipline
The Board receives and investigates complaints regarding nurse misconduct, incompetence, negligence, or violations of rules.
Investigations may lead to disciplinary actions including reprimands, license suspension, revocation, probation, or fines.
The Board holds hearings and issues orders to enforce regulations and protect the public.
6. Approval of Nursing Education Programs
Agency 655 includes rules governing the approval and oversight of nursing education programs in Iowa.
The Board ensures that educational institutions meet standards for curriculum, faculty, and clinical training.
7. Administrative Procedures
The Board follows procedures for meetings, rulemaking, records retention, and public access to information.
It operates transparently and in accordance with administrative law.
Summary of Core Elements in Agency 655
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Licensing Requirements | Education, exams, and application procedures for nurses. |
| Examination Standards | Approved exams to evaluate nursing competence. |
| Continuing Education | Ongoing training requirements for license renewal. |
| Practice Standards | Professional conduct and scope of practice guidelines. |
| Complaint Handling | Procedures for investigating and disciplining nurse misconduct. |
| Nursing Education | Oversight and approval of nursing schools and programs. |
| Board Governance | Administrative rules governing the Board’s operation and transparency. |
Purpose and Public Safety
The Nursing Board’s primary goal is to protect patients and the public by ensuring that all practicing nurses are qualified, competent, and follow ethical standards. Agency 655 provides the framework for regulating nursing professionals in Iowa to maintain high standards in healthcare.
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