The Law and the expanding nursing role

For a time, the archaic medical and nursing practice acts made overt role expansion for nurses difficult. Although a variety of formal and informal coping mechanisms evolved to work around the laws, the laws remained a significant barrier to the open use of nurses in extended roles. This situation is now rapidly changing as state laws are revised. A variety of approaches are being used, and it is important that nurses and legislators understand the implications of the differing methods. - Introduction.