Maryland Senate Bill SB960

Maryland 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/27/23
• Refer: 2/27/23
• Refer: 3/8/23
• Report Pass: 3/29/23
• Engrossed: 3/31/23
• Refer: 3/31/23
• Refer: 4/5/23
• Report Pass: 4/6/23
• Enrolled: 4/7/23
• Chaptered: 4/24/23
• Passed: 4/24/23

Caption

State Board of Nursing – Sunset Extension, Licensure Exceptions, and Board Operations and Membership

Impact

The bill intends to allocate authority over certain infrastructure operations of the Board from its members to the Secretary of Health, who will oversee administrative functions for a defined period while prohibiting the usage of Board funds for these operations. This shift is positioned as a strategic move to streamline the Board’s operations and improve its efficiency, while also necessitating the hiring of an external consultant to evaluate the Board’s structure and operations. The goal is to create solutions that enhance nursing oversight and healthcare delivery in Maryland.

Summary

Senate Bill 960 focuses on the State Board of Nursing in Maryland, aiming to extend the Board's operations while introducing several regulatory changes. Notably, the bill aims to extend the statutory and regulatory authority of the Board, ensuring its continued functionality under the Maryland Program Evaluation Act. This includes establishing licensure exceptions, where specific conditions and situations may not require licensure for nursing practices, thus attempting to adapt to the state's healthcare needs and workforce challenges.

Sentiment

Sentiments surrounding SB 960 appear generally supportive among legislators, given its unanimous passage in the voting phase with 44 yeas and no nays. Proponents argue that the bill provides necessary governance to adapt the State Board of Nursing's framework to current healthcare realities, emphasizing the importance of regulatory oversight amidst evolving healthcare challenges. However, there are concerns regarding the centralization of authority and potential impacts on the Board's independence.

Contention

Although the bill is largely seen as a proactive measure, some stakeholders express caution regarding the transition of power from the Board to the Secretary of Health. They fear that this might lead to reduced direct accountability and oversight in nursing regulation. The requirement for an independent consultant to report on the Board's structure highlights efforts to address any internal inefficiencies but also indicates underlying concerns regarding the Board's current effectiveness and future sustainability.