The ND Board of Nursing Practice Division assists stakeholders with practice inquiries by directing them to the Nurse Practice Act in the Century Code and Administrative Rules for nursing in North Dakota, as well as to their own legal counsel and facility policy. As authorized in the Century Code, the Practice Division works with a team to research and develop practice guidance regarding the interpretation and application of the Nurse Practices Act.

Board approved interpretive statements and practice guidance do not carry the force and effect of the law/rules. In addition, each licensed nurse is responsible and accountable to practice according to the standards prescribed by the board and profession; and accepts responsibility for judgements, individual nursing actions, competence, decisions, and behavior in the course of nursing practice (NDAC 54-05. Standards of Practice).

“Competence” refers to application and integration of knowledge, skills, ability, and judgment necessary to meet standards (NDAC 54-01-03-01(16)). Individual competency varies among nurses; when a nurse does not personally have the competence to perform an activity, such activity is “outside the scope” of practice for that nurse.