Texas House Bill HB2885

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to determination of the examination pass rate for nursing educational programs.

Impact

The implications of HB 2885 are significant for nursing educational institutions across the state. By mandating that schools maintain acceptable exam pass rates, the bill seeks to enhance the overall quality of nursing graduates. This introduces a strict review process for programs that fail to meet the established standards. The intent is that through higher standards for nursing education, the competency of healthcare providers will increase, ultimately benefiting patient care in Texas.

Summary

House Bill 2885 addresses regulations surrounding the pass rates for nursing educational programs in Texas. The act amends the Occupational Code to ensure that nursing schools maintain acceptable pass rates on licensing examinations. Under the new provisions, an applicant who fails the exam three times within a 60-day period will be subject to certain conditions that the board may impose, which include additional educational requirements or a denial of retaking the examination. This aims to improve the quality of nursing education programs and their outcomes for graduates.

Contention

While the overarching goal of the bill is to improve the quality of nursing education, there may be contention regarding how strictly the board enforces the new standards. Critics could argue that imposing stricter pass rate requirements may penalize schools that serve underserved communities or those that are already facing resource constraints. Additionally, concerns may arise about the fairness and accessibility of retake opportunities, particularly for applicants from diverse backgrounds who may struggle with standardized examinations.