Abstract
Economic models of regulation suggest that the introduction of regulation is closely linked to the magnitude and distribution of costs and benefits anticipated by various groups and their costs of action. This paper draws on economic models to examine the development of systems of professional regulation in nursing since the end of the 19th century. It concludes that changes in supply and demand conditions and labor market organization have played a major role in the introduction of voluntary and mandatory licensure laws for registered and practical nurses.
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This research was partly supported by Grant Number HS 03596, National Center for Health Services Researrch, OASH, U.S. Public Health Service. However, the views expressed in this paper are my own and do not necessarily reflect the position of the sponsoring institution.
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White, W.D. Labor market organization and professional regulation. Law Hum Behav 7, 157–170 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01044520
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01044520