What's New in Nursing's Scope and Standards of Practice: Innovation and AI - LIVE at ANCC Magnet & Pathway 2026

Recorded LIVE in Chicago, hear from Bradley Goettl, CNO of the American Nurses Enterprise, and Sarah Gray, Senior Vice President of Nursing Impact at the ANA. They discuss the newly released fifth edition of the Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice.

Learn what changed, why it matters for the profession, and how the new AI guidance keeps clinical judgment with nurses.

Timestamps:

0:10: Welcome and introductions. Bradley Goettl (CNO, ANA) and Sarah Gray (SVP of Nursing Impact, ANA) join Rosa after speaking on stage about the new scope and standards.

0:39: What's new? The document was not rewritten from the ground up. It is reviewed every five years through a rigorous process of about 48 months. Two additions: innovation and AI.

1:50: Is nursing a profession? This is the fifth edition. It is the foundational description of the profession, grounded in science and evidence, and it came out alongside the push to recognize advanced practice nursing as an advanced practice degree.

2:51: Who does it cover? It is the foundational RN document and applies to every RN, including advanced practice nurses. LPNs/LVNs are not part of it yet. The membership assembly decided in 2026 to include them in ANA membership, so they are being considered for the future.

4:07: "Written by nurses, made for nurses." Nurses define nursing practice, and the profession is self-governing.

4:27: Innovation. Nurses are natural innovators. The new section covers the process of innovation and critical problem-solving, not just workarounds.

5:11: AI in the document. The section is brief by design. Nurses remain in charge of clinical judgment and safe care.

6:12: Keeping pace with AI. Public comment recently opened on ethical principles for AI.

6:40: Accountability. If AI makes the decision, should the nurse's license be on the line? The guests discuss accountability when a nurse confirms or agrees, and "see something, say something."

7:30: AI can reduce cognitive burden and spot trends, but personal judgment is the human part of nursing.

8:04: A quote from page 81. AI-enabled information is "one input" into professional decision-making and should be treated as supportive information, not final authority.

8:55: Governance and licensure support. ANA will keep developing guidance beyond a document with a five-year shelf life.

9:15: Where the guidance helps most. It helps nurses take part in hospital AI policy conversations, with a focus on prevention rather than legal protection.

9:49: ANA's AI think tank brought together industry leaders, nursing and technology experts, across generations and geographies. It is producing tools for nurses, leaders and policymakers.

10:33: Policy advocacy and lobbying on AI.

11:00: State-level conversations. State nursing associations can use the guidelines with legislatures. ANA's government affairs team works with the constituent and state nursing associations.

12:00: How to get it. It is available as a paper book (smaller than past editions) and as an e-copy.

12:44: Not meant to be memorized. Treat it like a drug reference book. Most content is familiar from nursing education, and leaders should know it to support their staff.

13:29: Thanks and sign-off.

• The fifth edition adds innovation and AI.
• It is the foundational RN document, and it applies to all RNs regardless of specialty or role.
• AI is supportive information, not final authority. Clinical judgment stays with the nurse.
• It is available in print and as an e-copy.

About your host Rosa Hart, BSN, RN, SCRN, FLAA, is a nurse, speaker, podcaster, and author of "Speak Up, Start Now", available on Audible & Kindle.

Follow along @NurseRosaSpeaks