Louisiana House Bill HB120

Louisiana 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/8/13
• Refer: 4/8/13

Caption

Authorizes the La. State Board of Nursing and the La. State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners to accept certain accreditations for nurses

Impact

The implementation of HB 120 is expected to streamline the accreditation process for nursing programs in Louisiana. By mandating that the nursing boards recognize specific accrediting bodies, the bill could potentially increase the availability of qualified nursing professionals in the state. This measure supports both educational institutions that comply with the accreditation requirements and the graduates seeking to enter the nursing field, ultimately aiming to enhance the workforce in the healthcare sector.

Summary

House Bill 120 aims to modify the responsibilities of the Louisiana State Board of Nursing and the Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners regarding the approval of nursing education programs. The bill proposes that these boards must accept programs accredited by specific national and regional agencies, notably the Council on Occupational Education and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, which are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. By doing so, the bill seeks to ensure that graduates from accredited institutions can take the necessary licensing examinations without facing additional hurdles.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding the bill appears to be favorable among proponents who believe it will enhance the quality of nursing education in Louisiana. Supporters argue that aligning state requirements with established national standards will improve the preparedness of nursing graduates. Conversely, there may be concerns regarding the potential impact on institutions that do not meet the new accreditation hurdles, highlighting a division among stakeholders in nursing education.

Contention

Notable points of contention among stakeholders may arise regarding the adequacy of the accreditation bodies specified in HB 120. Some critics might argue that such a narrowed focus on particular accrediting organizations could inadvertently limit opportunities for promising nursing programs accredited by other agencies. This could lead to debates about inclusivity and the best methods for ensuring quality education without restricting access for various institutions to prepare qualified nursing professionals.