The bill relates to nursing degree requirements for a licensed paramedic. The governing board of each institution of higher education that offers a nursing education program leading to an associate degree shall establish procedures for persons holding an associate, baccalaureate, or graduate degree in a science field and is a licensed paramedic: (1) will on application be accepted for admission in the nursing program, with priority over other applicants, at the earliest opportunity that enrollment capacity is available; and (2) may earn an associate degree in nursing by completing only the core nursing courses, not including any non-nursing prerequisites for the core courses, required for the degree. Changes made by the bill apply beginning with the 2005 fall semester. Each institution of higher education to which this section applies shall establish the procedure required by that section not later than the 2006 spring semester.

The estimated number of paramedics that would be required to enroll could be absorbed within each institution of higher education .

The bill takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2005.

LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD
Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 79TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION


May 5, 2005

TO:	Honorable Geanie Morrison, Chair, House Committee on Higher Education

FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Deputy Director, Legislative Budget Board

IN RE:	HB992 by Martinez (Relating to nursing degree requirements for a licensed paramedic.), As Introduced