Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB86

Introduced
1/14/25  

Caption

Further providing for State Board of Nursing.

Impact

If enacted, HB86 would significantly affect the governance structure of the State Board of Nursing. By focusing on local residency and relevant experience, the bill seeks to improve the quality of oversight in nursing practices. The appointment process, now needing a more diverse representation of both nursing disciplines and dietetics, may lead to a more well-rounded approach in addressing issues within these fields. This change is expected to strengthen the board's capacity to make informed decisions that reflect contemporary practices and concerns in nursing and nutrition.

Summary

House Bill 86 aims to amend the Professional Nursing Law in Pennsylvania by revising the composition and appointment process for the State Board of Nursing. The bill proposes that the board should consist of various members, including registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and a dietitian-nutritionist. These appointments must be made with careful consideration to ensure representation from diversified fields within nursing and dietetics. The legislation reinforces the requirement that board members must be residents of the state and have relevant experience, thereby aiming to enhance the effectiveness and credibility of the board overseeing nursing practices.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB86 appears to be largely positive, with support from nursing professionals and public health advocates who argue that a more inclusive and representative board will lead to better governance in nursing practices. Proponents argue that this bill will help ensure that the oversight provided by the board is tailored to meet the needs of practitioners and the public alike. However, there are concerns regarding specifically how the representation will be balanced among the different sectors, which may spark debate among stakeholders in the nursing and healthcare community.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB86 include the implications of membership qualifications and term limits for board members. While the bill aims to ensure diverse representation, there may be disagreements regarding the specific qualifications required for board members, especially concerning the dietitian-nutritionist role. Additionally, the existing regulations that limit the terms of board members could be perceived as restrictive, potentially affecting the board's continuity and expertise. The ongoing discussions around these provisions reflect broader themes of governance, accountability, and adaptability within healthcare regulation.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB1835

Further providing for State Board of Nursing.

PA SB25

Further providing for definitions; and providing for the Rural Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner Health Care Access Program.

PA HB1825

Further providing for title, for definitions, for State Board of Nursing, for dietitian-nutritionist license required, for unauthorized practices and acts not prohibited, for temporary practice permit, for graduates of schools of other states, territories or Dominion of Canada, for persons entitled to practice, for certified registered nurse practitioners and qualifications, for scope of practice for certified registered nurse practitioners, for prescriptive authority for certified registered nurse practitioners, for Drug Review Committee, for professional liability, for reporting of multiple licensure, for continuing nursing education, for punishment for violations, for refusal, suspension or revocation of licenses, for reinstatement of license and for injunction or other process; and providing for the expiration of the State Board of Nursing's power to license certified registered nurse practitioners.

PA HB2213

Further providing for continuing nursing education.

PA HB1403

Further providing for fees and qualifications for licensure, for education programs, approved lists, distribution and student credits where school removed from list and for certified registered nurse practitioners and qualifications.

PA SB1251

Further providing for fees and qualifications for licensure, for education programs, approved lists, distribution and student credits where school removed from list and for certified registered nurse practitioners and qualifications.

PA HB896

In the State Board of Education, further providing for membership.

PA HB1819

Further providing for duties of board.

PA SB1319

Further providing for title of act, for short title, for declaration of purpose, for definitions, for creation of board and appointment and term of members and officers, for organization of board, for powers of board, for duties of board, for examination and qualification of applicants, for reciprocal licensing, for issuance and renewal of certificates, for payment and disposition of fees and for seal of architect; providing for architectural firm registration and for architectural firm names; further providing for permitted practices, for existing licenses, for existing rules and regulations and for unauthorized practice prohibited; providing for certification of interior designers; further providing for disciplinary proceedings, for penalties and for complaint procedure and hearings; providing for regulations; further providing for severability, for repeals and for effective date; and making editorial changes.

PA HB2645

Further providing for title of act, for short title, for declaration of purpose, for definitions, for creation of board and appointment and term of members and officers, for organization of board, for powers of board, for duties of board, for examination and qualification of applicants, for reciprocal licensing, for issuance and renewal of certificates, for payment and disposition of fees and for seal of architect; providing for architectural firm registration and for architectural firm names; further providing for permitted practices, for existing licenses, for existing rules and regulations and for unauthorized practice prohibited; providing for certification of interior designers; further providing for disciplinary proceedings, for penalties and for complaint procedure and hearings; providing for regulations; further providing for severability, for repeals and for effective date; and making editorial changes.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.