Minnesota Board of Nursing


The Minnesota Board of Nursing is a state agency that regulates the practice of nursing in Minnesota. It is responsible for licensing nurses, approving nursing education programs, and enforcing the state Nurse Practice Act. The Legislature created the agency in 1907 as the Minnesota State Board of Examiners of Nurses; it was renamed the Minnesota Board of Nursing in 1955.

History

The Minnesota Legislature established statewide regulation of nursing in 1907, creating the Minnesota State Board of Examiners of Nurses. The board was renamed the Minnesota Board of Nursing in 1955. In 2011, the agency was reviewed by the Minnesota Office of the Legislative Auditor as part of the state's sunset review process, which assessed the continuing need for health-related licensing boards.

Responsibilities

The board's statutory authority and duties are outlined in Minnesota Statutes Chapter 148, which covers nursing practice, licensure, discipline, and program approval. Its responsibilities include:
The board's mission is to protect public health and safety through regulation of nursing education, licensure, and practice.
In April 2023, an investigative report by ProPublica detailed that the Board's disciplinary investigations had become increasingly delayed, with some cases remaining unresolved for over a year, highlighting concerns about timely enforcement of public safety measures.

Data and workforce role

The Board also serves as a source of workforce statistics. For example, in 2023, the Minnesota Nurses Association reported Board-provided data showing that more than 130,000 registered nurses were licensed in the state, an increase of 8,000 from the previous year.

Governance

The board consists of sixteen members appointed by the governor, including twelve licensed or registered practical nurses and four members of the public. It is headquartered in Mendota Heights, Minnesota.
The Minnesota Board of Nursing is a member of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.