FINAL BILL REPORT

SB 6638

                                  C 242 L 88

BYSenators Niemi, Johnson, Deccio, Wojahn, Smith and Kreidler

Providing conditional scholarships for nursing students.

Senate Committee on Health Care & Corrections

House Committe on Health Care

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

Recent data indicate that the health care industry is facing a significant shortage of licensed nursing staff.  The lack of nursing staff has resulted in critical understaffing in certain geographical locations around the state.  These conditions have raised concerns about the possible compromise in the quality of care and the cost of health care since health care facilities must fill vacancies by recruiting higher cost temporary nurses from staffing agencies.

SUMMARY:

A conditional scholarship program is established for students in nursing programs leading to licensure as a licensed practical nurse or in a program leading to an associate, baccalaureate or higher degree in nursing.  The program will be administered by the Higher Education Coordinating Board in consultation with the State Board of Community College Education.

The powers and duties of the board are outlined with respect to implementing and administering the scholarship program.  These powers and duties include selecting nurse students to receive scholarships, adopting the scholarship rules and guidelines, and program publicity.

The board will establish a planning committee for the purpose of screening and selection of scholarship recipients.

The obligations for receipt of the scholarship and repayments are outlined for those unable to meet the specified obligations.

No conditional scholarships shall be granted after June 30, 1994.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      Senate    48     0

      House 94   0 (House amended)

      Senate    41     0 (Senate concurred)

EFFECTIVE:June 9, 1988