Alaska Nurse Practice Act: Facility Guide

Nurses represent the largest workforce in the healthcare industry, with new roles continuously being established to meet the shifting demands of patient care. To keep patients safe and ensure that these roles are being carried out appropriately, each state is responsible for regulating and governing nursing practice. In Alaska, Nurse Practice Act (NPA) provisions serve as important guidelines for what nursing professionals can and cannot do.

As a facility leader, it’s important to learn how to apply provisions in the NPA to enforce accurate care protocols. In this article, we’ll provide an overview of the Alaska NPA and provide tips to promote compliance among your staff.

Alaska Nurse Practice Act at a Glance

The Alaska NPA outlines a set of provisions that define credentialing processes, professional standards, and scope of practice guidelines. The primary purpose of these provisions is to protect patients from unsafe or inappropriate nursing care. The table below summarizes components of the NPA that may be most relevant to your facility and staff.

Alaska Administrative Code:

Steps to Receive Licensure by Examination:

1. Complete an accredited nursing program.
2. Submit all application forms and fees to the Board of Nursing.
3. Submit a background check and fingerprints.
4. Register for and pass the NCLEX exam.

Steps to Receive Licensure by Endorsement:

1. Submit fingerprints and background check.
2. Sign up for and verify licensure through NURSYS.
3. Submit all application forms and fees to the Board of Nursing.
4. Submit proof of employment or competency requirements.

• The duty is within the scope of practice of the delegating nurse.
• An RN assessed the patient’s condition and determined the duty can be safely delegated.
• The patient’s medical condition is stable and predictable.
• The person being delegated received the training needed to safely perform the duty (this training must be documented).
• The nurse determines that the person being delegated is competent to perform the duty correctly and safely and is accountable.
• The delegated duty would not require the person to exercise professional nursing knowledge or complex nursing skills.
• The nurse provides written instructions on how to carry out the duty, with a copy to keep on record.

1. In-state nurses must obtain additional licensure to practice out-of-state; and
2. Out-of-state nurses can’t practice in Alaska without applying for endorsement.

Improving NPA Compliance: 3 Tips for Facilities

Enforcing the Alaska Nurse Practice Act can help you protect your patients and build a better culture of safety. Follow these tips to keep your nursing staff informed and equipped to meet the highest standards of care.

1. Provide Regular Staff Education and Training

As a facility leader, it’s important to establish institutional policies that facilitate duties and delegation among your nursing staff. The Alaska Board of Nursing provides dozens of resources that can help you and your staff adhere to scope of practice guidelines. You should refer your staff to these resources and conduct regular training on protocols specific to your facility.

2. Ensure Your Staff’s Credentials Are Up-To-Date

Under the Alaska Nurse Practice Act, delivering nursing care without a license or with an expired license is prohibited. Not only does this endanger patients, but it can also lead to other penalties and fees. To ensure your nursing staff is staying on top of credentialing, you can send out regular reminders to complete any required competencies and apply for renewal.

3. Stay Informed About Regulatory Updates

Regulations impacting nursing practice can change, and it’s important to stay informed about any amendments to the NPA which can impact your nursing team. You can stay informed of key updates through the Board of Nursing’s website.

Discover More Ways to Maintain Compliance

Looking for more ways to support your staff’s compliance with the Alaska Nurse Practice Act and other regulations? IntelyCare is here to help. Get dozens of practical tips and expert-written healthcare management insights through our free newsletter.

Legal Disclaimer: This article contains general legal information, but it is not intended to constitute professional legal advice for any particular situation and should not be relied on as professional legal advice. Any references to the law may not be current, as laws regularly change through updates in legislation, regulation, and case law at the federal and state level. Nothing in this article should be interpreted as creating an attorney-client relationship. If you have legal questions, you should seek the advice of an attorney licensed to practice in your jurisdiction.