Texas Senate Bill SB1397

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/20/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/19/09

Caption

Relating to the licensure of nurses, including the assessment of fees, the clinical competency of nursing program graduates, and the establishment of the equivalency of certain competency-based nursing education programs in other states.

Impact

The implementation of SB1397 could significantly impact the nursing workforce in Texas by broadening the scope for licensure to include graduates from out-of-state programs that meet Texas standards. This could help address nursing shortages in the state, potentially increasing the pool of qualified registered nurses. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of maintaining high educational standards while allowing for flexibility in recognizing diverse educational backgrounds, thus enhancing workforce mobility across state lines.

Summary

SB1397 is a legislative proposal aimed at establishing the equivalency of competency-based nursing education programs from other states to those recognized by the Texas Board of Nursing. The bill amends existing laws to ensure that nursing programs in other states can be recognized if they meet specific standards of quality comparable to Texas-approved programs. It emphasizes the need for such programs to be part of accredited higher education institutions, maintaining a strong focus on the assessment of clinical competencies and standardized examinations.

Contention

Notable points of contention around SB1397 could revolve around the quality and consistency of nursing education programs in different states. Critics might argue that the bill could lead to inconsistencies in the quality of nursing education and preparedness of graduates, particularly if the standards for equivalency are too lenient. Additionally, there may be debates about the potential implications for local nursing schools and their students, who may feel disadvantaged if out-of-state programs gain greater recognition under this legislation.