Aerial Stanton: “Michigan Nurse Practice Act

When I researched Michigan's Nurse Practice Act, I found that it not a single document.
In Michigan, clinical registered nursing (RN) practice is combined in the Occupational
Regulation Sections of the Michigan Public Health Code (State of Michigan, 2020). This
document regulates the practical scope of RNs, along with over 20 other health
occupations, including advanced practice RNs and licensed practical nurses (LPNs)
(State of Michigan, 2020). In Michigan, as in other states, RNs are required to complete
continuing education units (CEUs) prior to the renewal of licensure. A total of 25
contact (direct care) hours are required in the two-year period prior to re-licensure in
addition to CEUs (MI Nurses Association, 2018). Two CEU hours related to pain and
symptom management are required, along with a one-time CEU related to human
trafficking (MI Nurses Association, 2018). For verification of compliance with CEU
hours, only RNs that are selected for random audits will be required to show verification
(MI Nurses Association, 2018).
Texas Nurse Practice Act
When I researched Texas's Nurse Practice Act, I found that it was both similar and
different than what is present in Michigan. One interesting difference concerns RN
licensure renewal. As in Michigan, an RN's license is required to be renewed every two
years, however, there is a subtle difference regarding continuing education units
(CEUs). In Texas, RNs are required to complete at least two CEU hours that focus on
nursing jurisprudence and nursing ethics prior to every third two-year licensing period
(Texas Board of Nursing, 2019). In both Michigan and Texas, an out of state RN may
apply for license renewal without additional examination as long as his/her license has
not expired (Texas Board of Nursing, 2019). Another aspect of the Texas Nurse Practice
Act that I thought was a bit surprising is related to the refusal of mandatory overtime.
According to this document, an RN that refuses a mandatory overtime assignment is
not liable for client neglect or abandonment (Texas Board of Nursing, 2019).

References:
MI Nurses Association. (2018). State of Michigan ce requirements. Retrieved from
https://www.minurses.org/education-resources/resources-for-practicing-nurses/state-
of-michigan-ce-requirements/.
State of Michigan. Nursing FAQ. Retrieved from
https://www.michigan.gov/lara/0,4601,7-154-89334_72600_72603_27529_27542-
295888--,00.html.
Texas Board of Nursing. (2019). Nursing practice act, nursing peer review, & nurse
licensure compact. Retrieved from
http://www.bon.state.tx.us/pdfs/law_rules_pdfs/nursing_practice_act_pdfs/NPA2019.p
df.”

Tiffany Miller:

Aeriel,

I believe CEU hours should be used in every state, as nursing practice seems to be

constantly changing! Being aware of new laws, regulations, and nursing practices help

protect your license, and improve patient safety and outcomes by learning the most

effective way to perform care on your patients. This is especially important for older

nurses that are considered to be "stuck in their ways", as CEU hours can not only teach

them the new up-to-date care techniques, but also help them learn how these new care

techniques are better for patient outcomes.