Which organization is involved in developing standards of care for nursing practice?

• A. The ANA
• B. Interstate compact
• C. Nurse practice act
• D. Employing institution

Answer: (A)

Standards of care in nursing come from professional bodies that outline how nurses should practice, what competencies are expected, and the ethical responsibilities involved. The American Nurses Association is the national organization that develops and publishes these standards of practice and the Code of Ethics for Nurses. These standards provide a benchmark for safe, competent care and are used by educators, regulators, and employers to guide practice.

The Interstate Compact deals with licensure portability between states and does not set nursing care standards. The Nurse Practice Act is state legislation that defines legal scope of practice and licensure requirements, not the profession-wide standards. An employing institution creates internal policies for its own setting, which may reflect professional standards but do not establish universal standards for the entire profession.