Which of the following laws governs what nursing assistants are permitted to do?

The nurse practice act is the law that delineates the scope of practice for nursing professionals, including nursing assistants. This act provides a comprehensive framework that outlines what tasks and responsibilities nursing assistants are legally allowed to perform, ensuring that they operate within their specific competencies and training.

The primary purpose of the nurse practice act is to protect the health and safety of the public by setting clear standards and requirements for licensure and practice. It establishes the legal guidelines that govern nursing practices, ensuring that all nursing personnel, including nursing assistants, follow a regulated scope of practice, which includes specific duties, patient interactions, and limitations.

While other options, such as OBRA (the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act), provide regulations concerning the training and certification of nursing assistants in certain settings, it does not provide a comprehensive legal framework regarding their full scope of practice. Similarly, Medicaid pertains to the financing and coverage of healthcare but does not specifically address the legal roles of nursing assistants, and standards for nursing assistants can reflect best practices but are not law. Therefore, the nurse practice act is the most appropriate choice as it directly governs what nursing assistants are permitted to do within their professional capacities.