Nursing competence--an evolving regulatory issue in Kentucky

Area of Science:

• Nursing Regulation
• Professional Accountability
• Healthcare Policy

Background:

• Nursing licensure requirements are evolving in Kentucky.
• Societal and professional pressures are influencing regulatory changes.
• The current system relies on continuing education for relicensure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the shift towards competency-based evaluation for nursing licensure in Kentucky.
• To discuss the implications of the Kentucky Board of Nursing's position paper on nursing competence.
• To explore new models for ensuring continued competence among nurses.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of the Kentucky Board of Nursing's position paper (October 1997).
• Review of regulatory trends in nursing licensure.
• Discussion of societal and professional drivers for change.

Main Results:

• A move from mandatory continuing education to competency-based assessment is underway.
• The Kentucky Board of Nursing is actively engaging in dialogue about future regulations.
• The focus is on assuring continued nursing competence beyond initial licensure.

Conclusions:

• The regulatory landscape for nursing licensure in Kentucky is transforming.
• Competency validation is emerging as a key issue for relicensure.
• The Board's position paper serves as a foundation for future nursing regulation.