SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6638

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

Providing conditional scholarships for nursing students.

Senate Committee on Health Care & Corrections

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 2, 1988; February 3, 1988

Majority Report:  Do pass and refer to Committee on Ways & Means.

      Signed by Senators Deccio, Chairman; Kreidler, Niemi, Smith, West, Wojahn.

Senate Staff:Scott Plack (786-7409)

                  March 3, 1988

House Committe on Health Care

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 15, 1988

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 for licensed practical nurses and registered nurses seeking two year degrees is established to be administered by the Higher Education Coordinating Board.

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, including minority student requirement.

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, until the program is reviewed by the Legislative Budget Committee (LBC) and reenacted by the Legislature.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested January 29, 1988

Senate Committee - Testified: no one

HOUSE AMENDMENTS:

The scholarship program is extended to include students pursuing baccalaureate or higher degrees in nursing.  The Higher Education Coordinating Board is required to consult with the State Board of Community College Education in administering the scholarship program.  Students are eligible to receive conditional scholarships for a maximum of five years while continually enrolled in an approved program.  The provision calling for a review of the scholarship program by the LBC is deleted.