As discussed in the Winter 2025 Sentinel, the vast majority of OSBN licensees are competent professionals who provide safe nursing services that are within the scope of practice established for their license type and consistent with other requirements of the NPA. However, sometimes a nurse’s actions, behavior, or conduct may deviate from these legal boundaries. Learn more about your responsibility to report suspected violations of the Nurse Practice Act.

The OSBN is committed to maintaining a strong regulatory framework that supports public safety, aligns with statutory requirements, and removes barriers for nurses across the state.  As part of this effort, updates to Division 31 (Standards for Licensure of RNs and LPNs) of the Oregon Nurse Practice Act (NPA) were approved by the Board during the February 20 board meeting. The rules went into effect March 1 and reflect the Board’s dedication to addressing evolving needs in the nursing profession. Learn more during the Lunch & Learn  event on March 18 via Zoom or review the key changes listed in the Div. 31 Rule Change Advisory or the Winter 2025 Sentinel.

In support of their commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, the Oregon State Board of Nursing adopted the following statement during the February 20, 2025 meeting: "The Oregon State Board of Nursing is united in its ongoing goal to provide equitable services to nursing professionals and the public. The Board welcomes every voice and respects diverse views to promote an environment where fairness and respect guide our actions and decisions." To learn more, review the OSBN's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility Action Plan on our website.

On February 10, the Oregon State Senate Rules Committee confirmed three new members for the Oregon State Board of Nursing. Together, they bring a wealth of nursing experience that will help inform the board's decisions.

• Rachel Dennis, CNA works at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center Riverbend in Springfield, Ore., and has more than 10 years of experience as a CNA.
• Rachel Mitzel, CRNA, APRN-NP, PMHNP-C works at Cascade Anesthesia Services in Powell Butte, and Cascade Mind & Body Cliinc in Redmond, Ore., and has more than 20 years of nursing experience.
• Felipa Nesta, LPN works at Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside Medical Center in Clackamas, Ore., and has more than 17 years of healthcare experience.

Their three-year terms began March 1, 2025. Learn more about all our board members on our website or by watching the confirmation hearing on the OSBN YouTube channel.

If you have never donated blood before, this upcoming blood drive at the OSBN offices may be the perfect opportunity for you to become a first-time blood donor.  Donating blood is quick (less than an hour) and easy (register, get screened, donate, then cookies & juice).

• DATE: March 13, 2025, 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
• LOCATION: OSBN Office on 17938 SW Upper Boones Ferry Rd, Portland.
• SEE the poster for more information.

More than 3,300 bills have been introduced during the 2025 Oregon Legislative Session, with several dozen pertaining to nurses or nursing assistants.  The OSBN submitted three bills this session; you can read the bills or watch the hearings by clicking the links below:

• HB 3043—Update the Health Professionals’ Services Program.
• HB 3044—Modernizing Oregon’s Nurse Practice Act.
• HB 5023—the OSBN 2025-27 budget bill.

Learn more about the bills moving through this session and search for those of interest to you on the Oregon State Legislature website.