The most significant change brought about by HB 5155 is the introduction of a new standard for measuring the effectiveness of nursing programs. Registered professional nursing education programs must now demonstrate that their most recent annual pass rate for first-time test takers is 75% or greater. Additionally, this bill allows for the removal of outliers—graduates who either do not take or fail the licensure examination following graduation—when calculating pass rates, effectively enabling programs to reflect more positively on their performance metrics.
Summary
House Bill 5155 amends the Nurse Practice Act in Illinois and focuses on enhancing the effectiveness of registered professional nurse education programs. The bill specifically removes an outdated measurement criterion that relied on the passage rates of all graduates over the past three years, emphasizing the need for metrics based solely on first-time test takers. This shift aims to provide a more accurate reflection of a program's ability to prepare candidates for state licensure examinations, fostering improvements in nursing education statewide.
Contention
While the bill has garnered support as a necessary update to the regulations governing nursing education, some concerns have been raised regarding its implications for accountability and standards in nursing education. Critics argue that removing the broader measurement of all graduates may dilute the overall assessment of program effectiveness, as it could lead to less accountability for nursing programs not catering adequately to all students. Conversely, proponents assert that focusing on first-time test takers offers a clearer picture of program quality and supports better outcomes for future nursing professionals.
Relating to the application of certain programs that support certain occupation-related postsecondary educational programs and students of those programs.