Nursing, with leadership from the American Nurses Association (ANA), has a long-standing commitment to the development of standards. The first nursing practice standards were published in 1973. Since that time, both the ANA and specialty nursing organizations have developed standards. However, the proliferation of standards, reflecting a wide divergence of intent, format, and scope, has limited their usefulness. In 1989, the ANA appointed a Task Force (now a Committee) to address this issue. The Committee, working with representatives of the specialty nursing organizations, has developed a framework for development of both nursing practice standards and guidelines. Standards and guidelines are defined and differentiated. The relationship of standard and guidelines development to the federal government's effectiveness initiative is discussed.