State boards of nursing respond to the nurse shortage

A changing health care delivery system, coupled with nursing shortages predicted to worsen over the next 10 to 15 years, provide major challenges to policy makers and particularly to State Boards of Nursing. Emerging innovation in nursing education and nursing practice will challenge existing laws, rules, and opinions of Boards of Nursing. Maintaining dialogue among major stakeholders and working collaboratively to shape a preferred future will benefit both the profession and the public.