Final answer:
Licensed nurses have the authority to delegate duties due to the Nurse Practice Act, which is defined by each state and outlines the scope of nursing practice. This act affects the labor market by stipulating nursing roles and consequently impacting demand for healthcare professionals.
Step-by-step explanation:
The authority for licensed nurses to delegate duties comes from the Nurse Practice Act, which is specific to each state. This act defines the scope of nursing practice and provides the framework for what nurses can and cannot do within their professional roles. It explicitly gives nurses the power to delegate certain duties to other healthcare team members, depending on their qualifications and the complexity of the tasks.
Complying with government regulations can affect the labor market for nursing and other healthcare professionals. Regulations may require that nurses be tasked with certain procedures, thus increasing their demand. Conversely, less-trained workers are restricted from these tasks, leading to a decrease in their demand.