Regulatory Change: Redefining Educational Standards

During an environment of change in the health-care professions, the North Carolina Board of Nursing undertook a major revision of the educational standards that govern their approval of pre-licensure nursing programs. The change process involved a long, arduous, multifaceted approach and was supported by available evidence and stakeholder input. Revised standards reached through consensus and compromise are now a part of the administrative rules providing guidance to the Board and nursing programs in the state. This article reflects the process and effect of these revisions.