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Course Description

Course Number 20-705772

Note: Florida Respiratory Therapists click here for the RT Laws and Rules Course 

     The legislative intent of regulating the nursing profession is to protect public health, safety and welfare, as unregulated practice could potentially place the public at risk. Nurses licensed to practice in the State of Florida have an obligation to know the legislative laws and rules which establish their responsibilities and obligations as a nurse. This course reviews some of the principal legislative content contained within Chapter 456, F.S., Chapter 464, F.S. and Division 64B9, F.A.C., and discusses many of the laws and rules which regulate the practice of nursing in the State of Florida. This course satisfies the requirement, under Fla. Stat. 464.013 and 64B9-5.013 F.A.C. for continuing education on Laws and Rules.

  • Course Category | Legal and Regulatory

  • Original Activity Release Date | 12/06/2018

  • Date of Most Recent Review | 02/20/2021

  • Next Review / Course Termination Date | 02/19/2024

Educational Goals & Learning Outcomes

     The goal of this course is to provide nurses with current information on many of the laws and rules which regulate the practice of nursing in the State of Florida, as nurses who possess an up-to-date knowledge of these laws and rules will be better able to protect the overall health, safety and welfare of the public. Upon completion, participants will be able to:

  • Interpret Florida Statues and Administrative Codes applicable to nursing

  • Contrast licensure by exam vs. licensure by endorsement

  • Compare Single and Multi-State licenses under the Nursing Compact

  • Differentiate laws and rules applicable to various nursing professions

  • Analyze reasons for denial of licensure and disciplinary actions

  • Interpret disciplinary guidelines and penalties, including citation violations

  • Categorize minor and serious violations

  • Illustrate acts which may interfere with the ability to safely practice nursing

  • Assess acts which define sexual and unprofessional misconduct

About the Course Author(s)

Darren C. Leach, MSN, APRN, NP-C

     Darren C. Leach is a nurse practitioner and author. He is licensed as an APRN by the State of Florida and Certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. His professional experience ranges across the lifespan from infants to the elderly with positions in adult internal and emergency care, pediatric internal and emergency care, pediatric and neonatal intensive care as well as endocrinology and nephrology. He has also provided education to nurses, patients, and families in a variety of formats and settings. He received his Baccalaureate of Science degree in Nursing from the University of South Florida in 2005, and his Masters of Science degree in Family Health Nursing in 2010. Mr. Leach has authored numerous courses, including many for MedCEC. To view Mr. Leach's full bio click here.