Boards of Nursing

Boards of nursing in the U.S. are state government agencies that were established by law to protect the public health, safety, and welfare through the safe and competent practice of nurses. The boards of nursing assure that standards of practice are met and that persons engaged in the practice of nursing are competent. The boards of nursing approve educational programs, investigate complaints, approve individuals for licensure, registration and certification, and administer disciplinary actions.

Board members are usually made up of members of the public, licensed nurses and in some states by certified nursing assistants, appointed by the governor or the state legislature. Three states have two boards of nursing, one for registered nurses and one for licensed practical or vocational nurses: West Virginia, Louisiana, and California. You can learn more about nursing license requirements for LPN, LVN, RN, and related careers by visiting the official web site of the board of nursing for your state. You can find contact information for any state board of nursing by selecting a state or territory from the map or table below.