Findings

Findings. The Legislature finds that the practice of nursing by competent persons is necessary for the protection of the public health, safety and welfare; and further finds that six levels of practice within the profession of nursing should be regulated and controlled in the public interest. Therefore, it is the legislative purpose of this chapter to promote, preserve and protect the public health, safety and welfare by and through effective control and regulation of nursing education and practice, and to ensure that any person practicing or offering to practice nursing, as defined in this chapter, or using the title of Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse, Graduate Nurse, Certified Technician, Certified Nursing Assistant, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse in the categories of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, Certified Nurse Midwife, Nurse Practitioner or Certified Nurse Specialist after the effective date of this chapter within the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands shall, before entering upon such practice or using such title, be licensed as hereinafter provided. The Commonwealth Board of Nurse Examiners shall adopt regulations to identify those essential elements of practice necessary to protect the public. Source: PL 14-62, § 2 (2303).