The general assembly hereby declares it to be the policy of this state that, in order to safeguard the life, health, property, and public welfare of the people of this state and in order to protect the people of this state from the unauthorized, unqualified, and improper application of services by individuals in the practice of nursing, it is necessary that a proper regulatory authority be established. The general assembly further declares it to be the policy of this state to regulate the practice of nursing through a state agency with the power to enforce the provisions of this article.