§ 59-567.2. Declaration of public interest - Liberal construction of act.

A.  1.  The education, certification and licensure of registered and licensed practical nurses or advanced unlicensed assistive persons, and the practice of registered or practical nursing or advanced unlicensed assistance in this state is hereby declared to affect the public health, safety and welfare and, in the public interest, is therefore subject to regulation and control by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing.

2.  It is further declared to be a matter of public interest and concern that the education of nurses and advanced unlicensed assistive persons, as such terms are defined in the Oklahoma Nursing Practice Act, and the practice of nursing and advanced unlicensed assistance merit and receive the confidence of the public and that only qualified persons be authorized to practice in this state.

3.  The Board shall promulgate rules to identify the essential elements of education and practice necessary to protect the public.

B.  The provisions of the Oklahoma Nursing Practice Act shall be liberally construed to best carry out these requirements and purposes.

Added by Laws 1953, p. 265, § 2, emerg. eff. April 13, 1953.  Amended by Laws 1967, c. 42, § 1, emerg. eff. March 28, 1967; Laws 1991, c. 104, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1991; Laws 1994, c. 97, § 1, eff. July 1, 1994; Laws 1996, c. 186, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 1996; Laws 2001, c. 254, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2001.