Massachusetts House Bill H3613

Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/30/23
• Refer: 3/30/23
• Refer: 3/25/24

Caption

To improve health care workforce development through graduate nursing practice

Impact

The proposed changes are expected to help mitigate the nursing shortage by enabling new graduates to gain practical experience in clinical settings sooner. By allowing recent graduates to work in licensed health care facilities under supervision, the bill may improve the transition from education to practice for nursing students. This move is anticipated to bolster healthcare delivery, particularly in underserved areas where such services are crucial.

Summary

House Bill 3613 aims to enhance health care workforce development by providing avenues for nursing students and recent graduates to practice nursing under specified conditions. The bill amends current Massachusetts laws related to nursing licensure, allowing graduates or senior students from approved nursing programs to offer healthcare services under direct supervision. This aims to address the gap in the workforce while ensuring patient safety through supervision.

Contention

There may be discussions regarding the balance between easing licensure requirements for new nurses and maintaining the high standards of healthcare practices. Supporters argue that enhancing workforce flexibility is essential for meeting health care demands, especially in post-pandemic times. However, critics may raise concerns about the adequacy of supervision and the potential impact on patient care quality if less experienced nurses operate in clinical settings without enough oversight.