I. INTRODUCTION
The Florida Nurse Practice Act, Chapter 464, Florida Statutes, was enacted to ensure that every
nurse practicing in Florida meets minimum requirements for safe practice. A nurse who falls below the
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I. INTRODUCTION
The Florida Nurse Practice Act, Chapter 464, Florida Statutes, was enacted to ensure that every
nurse practicing in Florida meets minimum requirements for safe practice. A nurse who falls below the
minimum competency or who otherwise present a danger to the public shall be prohibited from practicing
in Florida. The statute speaks primarily to the most common classification of nurses: Registered Nurses
(RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). The requirements for licensure and penalties applicable for
misconduct shall be set forth below. Other classifications of nurses (Advanced Registered Nurses, RN First
Assistants, Retired Nurse Volunteers and Certified Nursing Assistants) are also provided for statutorily.
The requirements of each will be discussed below.
The Nurse Practice Act contains definitions that include the scope of practice for licensed registered
nurses, practical nurses and nurse practitioners. Every nurse who practices in the state of Florida must be
familiar with these definitions, as they define the limits on what she is allowed to legally do.
II. DEFINITIONS AND SCOPE OF PRACTICE
The Florida Nurse Practice Act, Section 464.003, Florida Statutes, provides definitions and sets
forth the scope of practice for nurses in Florida.
Section 464.003(3)(e), Florida Statutes, defines "nursing diagnosis" to mean "the observation and
evaluation of physical or mental conditions, behaviors, signs and symptoms of illness, and reactions to
treatment and the determination as to whether such conditions, signs, symptoms, and reactions represent
a deviation from normal."
Section 464.003(3)(f), Florida Statutes, defines "nursing treatment" to mean "the establishment and
implementation of a nursing regimen for the care and comfort of individuals, the prevention of illness, and
the education, restoration, and maintenance of health."
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