According to the ANA principles, who determines the scope of nursing practice?

The nursing profession determines the scope of nursing practice, as defined by the American Nurses Association (ANA) principles. This is grounded in the collective knowledge, values, and ethical standards of nursing as a discipline. The nursing profession establishes standards and guidelines that inform how nurses should practice, ensuring that they provide safe, effective, and ethical care to patients.

This determination is typically embodied in documents such as the Nurse Practice Act, which is influenced by the profession's consensus on competencies and responsibilities. As such, national organizations like the ANA advocate for the profession's priorities and adapt them to evolving healthcare environments, ultimately reflecting the collective judgments and expertise of nursing professionals.

While healthcare organizations and state legislatures may play roles in regulating and implementing practice standards, the foundational principles that define nursing practice are rooted in the collective input from the nursing profession itself. This distinction emphasizes the importance of professional autonomy and accountability in nursing standards.