International Nurses - From NCSBN

Nurse Licensure & Certification

Licensure is the process by which an agency of state government grants permission to an individual to engage in a given profession upon finding that the applicant has attained the essential degree of competency necessary to perform a unique scope of practice. Licensing requirements define what is necessary for the majority of individuals to be able to practice the profession safely and validate that the applicant has met those requirements. This regulatory method is used when regulated activities are complex, require specialized knowledge and skill and independent decision-making. The licensure process includes the predetermination of qualifications necessary to perform a legally defined scope of practice safely and an evaluation of licensure applications to determine that the qualifications are met. Licensure provides that a specified scope of practice may only be performed legally by licensed individuals. Licensure provides title protection for those roles. It also provides authority to take disciplinary action should the licensee violate provision of the law or rules in order to assure that the public health, safety and welfare will be reasonably well protected.

A Minimal Data Set for the Evaluation of International Nurses was developed and approved by the Delegate Assembly in August 2004. The minimal data set represents the minimal level of data needed by boards of nursing to make informed licensure decisions regarding international nurses.

https://www.ncsbn.org/171.htm