sentences:  Among the major awards given are the Mary Adelaide Nutting Award for Outstanding Teaching or Leadership in Nursing Education, the Isabel Hampton Robb Award for Outstanding Leadership in Clinical Practice, and the Lillian Wald Humanitarian Award.In 1996, the NLN Board of Governors approved establishment of an independent entity within the organization to be known as the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).In 1997, the NLNAC began operations with sole authority and accountability for carrying out the responsibilities inherent to the accreditation processes.