SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5503
As of February 7, 2023
Title: An act relating to establishing requirements for uniform clinical placement hours for nursing education programs.
Brief Description: Establishing requirements for uniform clinical placement hours for nursing education programs.
Sponsors: Senators Robinson, Cleveland, Mullet, Holy, Randall, Nobles and Wilson, C..
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Health & Long Term Care: 2/10/23.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Requires the Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission to limit the number of clinical or direct patient experience hours required for registered nurse and licensed practical nurse licensure.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG TERM CARE
Staff: Andie Parnell (786-7439)
Background:

The Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission (Commission) is responsible for licensure, license renewal, and discipline of licensed practical nurses (LPN) and registered nurses (RN). The Commission also approves nursing education programs, curricula, and examination requirements for license applicants.
 
To receive an LPN, an applicant must:

  • earn a nursing degree or certificate from an accredited LPN nursing program or technical college;
  • pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN); and
  • submit the required documentation.

 

To receive an RN, an applicant must:

  • earn a degree from an accredited nursing program, or, an Associate Degree in Nursing from an approved two-year or technical college nursing program, or, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an approved four-year or university nursing program;
  • pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses administered by NCSBN; and
  • submit the required information.

 

All nursing programs preparing students for licensure must provide faculty planned clinical or direct patient care experiences based on program outcomes and goals. The number of clinical or direct patient care experience hours must be at least:

  • 300 hours for LPN programs;
  • 500 hours for associate degree nursing programs; and
  • 600 hours for bachelors of science in nursing education program.
Summary of Bill:

The Commission must limit the number of clinical or direct patient care experience hours required for RN and LPN licensure. The number of clinical or direct patient care experience hours must be at most:

  • 300 hours for LPN programs;
  • 500 hours for associate degree nursing programs; and
  • 600 hours for bachelors of science in nursing programs.

 

The Commission must annually review the number of hours and may adjust if necessitated by the national licensing or accreditation standards.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 1, 2023.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.