As of July 26, 2007, the Nurse Practice Act of New York State Education Law 139 will reflect the passage of an amendment to Section 6903 protecting the practice of nursing and the use of title “registered professional nurse” or “licensed practical nurse”. This law forbids anyone not registered as a Registered Professional Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) from portraying themselves as a nurse or using the title “nurse” or any abbreviation or reference thereof. Current titles such as Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) are not impacted by this law. Individual cases of suspected abuse should be reported to the State Office of the Professions.
Title protection is another means by which the public is assured that the individual, who is providing care, has met the standards for licensure by New York State and is guided in practice and quality of those professional services by the Scopes and Standards and Code of Ethics developed by the American Nurses Association.
The key to understanding when a title is appropriate versus inappropriate can be determined by analyzing whether the title would lead the public to believe that the individual holds professional licensure. For example, the proliferation of a new title, such as “nurse extender,” would lead the public to believe that this could be an advanced nursing position. Titles with the use of the word “nurse” or “nursing” that already exist and contextually assist the RN are appropriate and can continue to be used by facilities.
This law is only as enforceable as the education provided to the public by nursing and healthcare organizations. To ensure continued protection and respect for the title of Registered Professional Nurse, NYSNA extends the opportunity for all nurses to educate and enlighten the public and healthcare organizations to this important amendment in the New York State Education Law.
Examples of Appropriate and Inappropriate Use of the Title “Nurse”
Appropriate |
Inappropriate |
Nursing Assistant |
Baby Nurse |
Nurse Aide |
Nurse Extender |
For questions related to this alert, contact Education, Practice and Research: 800-724-6976, ext. 282