Final answer:
The legal authority to practice nursing comes from holding a valid nursing license, not from professional standards. These standards do, however, guide the ethical and competent practice of licensed nurses.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement is False. The legal authority to practice nursing is termed a nursing license, not professional standards. Professional standards refer to the guidelines or expectations for nursing conduct and practice, such as ethical behavior and competent performance. A nursing license is granted after a nurse meets certain educational requirements and passes the relevant board exam to prove their competence in delivering quality healthcare services. Licensing is managed by a regulatory authority, often a state nursing board, which has the power to issue, renew, suspend or revoke licenses. This ensures that all practicing nurses have met the minimum requirements to provide safe and effective care to the public.