Downloads
CS/HB 1427 — Nursing Education Programs
by Health & Human Services Committee and Reps. Griffitts, Abbott, and others (CS/SB 1568 by Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services and Senator Brodeur)
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Health Policy Committee (HP)
The bill establishes new requirements for nursing education programs seeking approval from the Board of Nursing (Board). These requirements include the adoption of standardized evaluation and admission criteria, the implementation of a comprehensive exit exam designed to prepare students for the National Council of State Boards of Nursing Licensing Examination (NCLEX), and the development of a remediation program.
The bill authorizes the Board to consider adverse actions taken against a nursing education program in another U.S. jurisdiction. It also requires program directors to notify the Board within 15 days of any such action. In response, the Board may approve the application, approve it with conditions, or deny it. However, the Board must deny an application if another U.S. regulatory body has terminated or revoked the applicant’s authority to operate a nursing education program.
Program directors are subject to professional discipline relating to their nursing licenses under the bill if they fail to submit an annual report by November 1, or if they fail to appear before the Board and present a remediation plan within six months after the program has been placed on probation.
If an approved program’s graduate NCLEX passage rate falls below 30 percent in a calendar year, the program must reimburse the full amount of tuition and fees paid by each student who failed to pass the NCLEX on their first attempt during that year.
The bill also authorizes the Department of Health to conduct onsite inspections at all regular hours of operation to ensure program compliance.
Additionally, the bill reduces the timeframe in which a nursing education program can fail to meet statutory requirements before being placed on probation, from two years to one year. It also shortens the maximum probationary period from three years to two years.
Finally, the bill removes the Board’s authority to extend the deadline for professional nursing education programs to obtain accreditation.
If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor’s signature, these provisions take effect July 1, 2025.
Vote: Senate 26-5; House 99-0