Amendment to Nursing Programs Bill Has Positive Results

Representative Denise Grimsley (R-77) unveiled her strike all amendment to HB1209, related Nursing Programs, during yesterday’s State & Community Colleges & Workforce Policy Committee meeting. This is the companion bill to SB 2284, sponsored by Sen. Mike Haridopolos (R-26), that we mentioned last week. Clearly the Representative has been working hard with the nursing organizations and schools, because everyone seemed happy about the amendment to the bill. The amendment would maintain the Board of Nursing’s role in approving nursing programs while removing their subjectivity and rule-writing authority. The amendment also allows for an increase in the teacher-to-student clinical ratio from 1:12 to 1:18 in some cases. The bill, as amended, was passed unanimously, and we congratulate Rep. Grimsley for her leadership.