A report on laws and regulations governing nursing education and practice in 81 countries belonging to the World Health Organization and effects on primary health care is presented by an international group of experts. Suggestions for training and licensure are provided to national governments and nursing regulatory bodies to promote the goal of achieving "health for all" through primary health care. Four roles of the primary health care nurse are considered: direct care provider, educator of health personnel and the public, supervisor/manager of primary health care services, and health care researcher/evaluator. Attention is also directed to: nursing tasks in primary health care, basic and continuing nursing education for primary health care, legal barriers to nursing training and practice, legislative strategies to expand nursing functions, assessing a country's health needs, and developing policy and legislation. Recommendations are offered for: regulating nursing education; redesigning educational programs; regulating nursing functions; and strengthening nursing boards, the role of national nursing organizations, and the role of WHO. (SW)