nurse regulation is no longer the sole mechanism for securing public safety. Instead, it is part of a dynamic system that protects the public (Benton & Morrison,2009). When looking at how systems models could explain the regulation of medical research and product development, Bouchard (2008) noted that linear models tended to dominate the analysis. However, Bouchard asserted that despite their good intent, linear models tend to accrue knowledge in relation to discrete silos and thus often inhibit or prevent the achievement of their goal. Accordingly, he advocated the use of open systems models, which he contended are far better positioned to deal with complex and dynamic change. An open system is one that interacts with its environment, and the associated theoretical model provides a framework for considering processes associated with the topic under review.