The Michigan Board of Nursing was originally created with the enactment of the Nurse Practice Act, Public Act 319 of 1909, and authority was transferred to the Nursing Practice Act of 1967 by Public Act 149 of 1967. On September 30, 1978, authority was again transferred to the Public Health Code, Public Act 368 of 1978, as amended.

The Michigan Public Health Code defines the practice of nursing in Michigan and empowers the Board to establish qualifications for nurse licensure; to establish standards for education and approve nurse education programs; develop and implement criteria for assurance of continued competency; and take disciplinary action against licensees when the health, safety, and welfare of the public has been adversely affected.

The Public Health Code establishes the Board of Nursing to consist of 23 members: 9 registered nurses (RNs), 1 nurse midwife, 1 nurse anesthetist, 1 nurse practitioner, 3 licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and 8 public members.

The enactment of the Public Health Code permitted LPN board members to act upon all matters except those that relate to standards for the education and training of RNs. Decisions on such matters are concurred in solely by a majority of the RN and public board members.

The Board currently oversees the practice of approximately 128,458 RNs, 6,250 Nurse Specialists and 27,096 LPNs.