What is the purpose of the Florida Administrative Procedure Act in nursing regulation?

• A. Provides due process for rulemaking, adjudicatory proceedings, and disciplinary actions by the Board.
• B. Sets nurse staffing ratios in facilities.
• C. Defines scope of practice for nurses in Florida.
• D. Creates hospital policies.

Answer: (A)

The Florida Administrative Procedure Act ensures due process in how the Board makes rules, holds hearings, and disciplines licensees. It requires the Board to follow fair procedures—notice, an opportunity to be heard, and a written, reviewable decision—whether it’s issuing or changing rules, conducting hearings in contested cases, or imposing disciplinary actions. This procedural framework protects licensees and the public by making sure actions are transparent, consistent with law, and subject to review.

Other options describe substantive policies (like staffing ratios or scope of practice) or internal hospital policies, which are not governed by FAPA’s procedural rules.