Breaking News in Nursing Regulation: NCSBN Offers Free Access to Special Journal Edition

In a significant move to advance the science of nursing regulation, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) has announced the publication of a special issue of its esteemed Journal of Nursing Regulation (JNR), focused on substance use disorder (SUD). This comprehensive collection of articles, dubbed the Substance Use Disorder Spotlight, is now available free of charge through December 31, 2026, providing unparalleled access to critical information for nursing professionals, educators, and regulators worldwide.

The Journal of Nursing Regulation, the official journal of NCSBN, is a quarterly, peer-reviewed publication that has established itself as a leading voice in the field of nursing regulation. With a strong commitment to advancing the science of nursing regulation, JNR publishes scholarly articles that promote the mission and vision of NCSBN, fostering collaboration and communication among nurse regulators, educators, practitioners, and the broader scientific community. The journal's impact is underscored by its impressive ranking as the second most influential nursing journal out of 192, according to Clarivate's most recent Journal Citation Report.

This special edition of JNR is particularly noteworthy, as it addresses a critical issue affecting not only the nursing profession but also public health at large. Substance use disorder is a complex and multifaceted challenge that requires a comprehensive and nuanced approach, particularly when it comes to supporting nurses who may be struggling with SUD. The articles included in the Substance Use Disorder Spotlight offer a wide range of perspectives and insights, covering topics such as practice and education, artificial intelligence, telehealth, ethical decision-making, and nurse apprenticeships, among others.

By making this special issue available at no cost, NCSBN demonstrates its dedication to empowering nursing professionals and supporting regulatory excellence globally. As an independent, not-for-profit organization, NCSBN plays a vital role in championing regulatory solutions that facilitate borderless healthcare delivery, agile regulatory systems, and nurses practicing to the full scope of their education, experience, and expertise. The organization's membership comprises nursing regulatory bodies from the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and four U.S. territories, as well as exam user members and associate members from other countries and territories.

The importance of this initiative cannot be overstated. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the need for effective approaches to addressing SUD among nursing professionals has never been more pressing. By providing free access to this collection of articles, NCSBN is helping to nurture and disseminate knowledge related to nursing and healthcare regulation, promoting a greater awareness of regulatory issues among all nurses, and ultimately contributing to better patient outcomes and public safety.

Individuals interested in accessing the Substance Use Disorder Spotlight can visit the JNR website, where they will find a wealth of information and resources on this critical topic. As the nursing profession continues to navigate the complexities of SUD, this special issue of JNR is poised to serve as a valuable resource, offering insights, guidance, and support to those working tirelessly to protect the public and advance the science of nursing regulation.