Nursing Professional Development Certification (NPD-BC) Practice Exam

What must a continuing education provider generally do to develop courses in states requiring continuing education for nurses?

1. Apply to a professional organization

2. Notify the state boards of nursing

3. Apply to the state boards of nursing

4. Develop and advertise courses

The correct answer is: Apply to the state boards of nursing

To develop courses in states that require continuing education for nurses, a continuing education provider typically needs to apply to the state boards of nursing. State boards of nursing are responsible for regulating nursing practice and ensuring that continuing education programs meet specific standards. This involves an application process where the provider demonstrates compliance with the state's requirements, including course content, delivery methods, and evaluation of the course effectiveness. Approval from the state board not only legitimizes the provider's courses but also ensures that the content aligns with professional standards and enhances the skills and knowledge of nurses. By obtaining this approval, the provider can offer courses that fulfill mandatory continuing education requirements, thus ensuring nurses remain compliant with licensure renewal policies. While notifying state boards of nursing, applying to a professional organization, and developing and advertising courses are important elements of a continuing education provider's overall responsibilities, they do not replace the necessity of obtaining approval directly from the state boards of nursing for the courses to be recognized as valid continuing education.