Comparing Performance of Umbrella and Independent Nursing Boards: An Initial Review

Acting in the Public Interest: Learnings and Commentary on the Occupational Licensure Literature

“…While some, such as the call by OECD (2014) for increased use of regulatory impact assessment, are well documented and procedural guidance are readily available, others, such as a push to create umbrella agencies, have little evidence to support such change. In nursing, work comparing the performance of umbrella boards versus more autonomous arrangements demonstrates that the autonomous arrangements are more effective in pursuing regulation in the public interest (Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission, 2012; North Carolina General Assembly, 2014; Benton et al, 2016;Benton & Rajwany, 2017). Nonetheless, there is evidence to suggest a need to balance autonomous professional licensure boards with operational efficiencies, which may be found within umbrella organizations that oversee a multitude of, lesser-in-number, professional groups (Ball, Rose, Redding, & White, 2012).…”

“…Benton and George (2018) identified a range of approaches used to provide oversight of regulatory boards. Various researchers have demonstrated how existing performance can be measured and how innovative approaches address governance improvement (College of Nurses of Ontario, 2016; Benton et al, 2016;and Benton and Rajwany, 2017). The College of Nurses of Ontario examined how to optimize board membership, increase lay participation, introduce competence-based selection of members, and pursue structured induction and ongoing governance training (College of Nurses of Ontario, 2016).…”

“…The College of Nurses of Ontario examined how to optimize board membership, increase lay participation, introduce competence-based selection of members, and pursue structured induction and ongoing governance training (College of Nurses of Ontario, 2016). The work by Benton et al (2016) and Benton and Rajwany (2017) looked at the impact a regulatory body's administrative structure, either umbrella agency or autonomous board, can have on its performance. Studies and innovations, such as the development of eLearning resources, can be used by regulatory board members and staff to improve governance and regulatory skills, and can support the pursuit of excellence in the governance of regulatory systems and their focus on public interest.…”

“…Evidence⦁Hudspeth, R. (2009). Regulatory Issues Column: Boards of Nursing Commitment to Ongoing Regulatory Excellence Benton, D., Brekken, S. Ridenour, J. & Thomas, K. (2016)…”