This issue's feature article examines the conflict for nurses when the goals of supporting patient autonomy and protecting patient health collide. The article by Bitz and Smith examines the core competencies for Board of Nursing investigators, an important area for exploration given the increase in regulatory action by state boards regarding nursing licensees. This issue, sadly, represents the last one in which the column NCSBN focus will appear. The collaboration between the National Counsel and JONA Law has been a wonderful way to publicize the efforts by this important group in supporting the state boards in their mission of protecting the public and promoting the professional practice of nursing. If you have never visited JONA Law's Web site, http://www.jonalaw.com, please give it a look. The site is recently updated, and more features will continue to be added over the next several months.
As always, your comments and input are welcome. Please e-mail me at [email protected].