Bill > SB1302

This bill extends the operation of the Board of Registered Nursing and its executive officer position until January 1, 2031, updates board meeting location requirements to ensure geographic diversity, and requires the board to publish its list of approved nursing schools online. The legislation updates standards for nursing education and clinical hours, including permitting non-direct patient care clinical practice hours to use simulation experiences based on best practices from recognized professional organizations. It expands the legal definition of the practice of nursing to include the administration of medications ordered or directed by advanced practice registered nurses, such as nurse practitioners and certified nurse-midwives. Furthermore, the bill allows nurse practitioners who have completed their transition-to-practice hours in another state approved by the board to practice independently without standardized procedures, which are pre-approved medical protocols that outline the scope of care a nurse can provide. Additionally, the legislation adjusts application and renewal fee structures for various nursing certifications by removing minimum fee floors, modifies license reinstatement procedures for default revocations, and establishes clearer guidelines for nursing faculty approvals and remediation plans.