BILL ANALYSIS
By: Nelson
Committee Report (Unamended)
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
The current graduation rate from initial nursing programs in Texas is 56 percent. In order to meet current and future nursing needs in Texas, that graduation rate must improve.
SB 138 directs the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to develop rules to promote retention and graduation of nursing students and to recognize programs with a graduation rate of at least 85 percent.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
It is the opinion of this committee that rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board in SECTION 1 and SECTION 2 of this bill.
ANALYSIS
SECTION 1: Subchapter C, Chapter 61 of the Education Code is amended by adding additional language related to incentives to promote retention and graduation of nursing students. Defines "professional nursing program."
The board shall consider and develop methods to promote the retention and graduation of students enrolled in a professional nursing program and shall adopt rules to implement those methods the board considers feasible, including recommendations on financial aid.
The board by rule shall establish a program to recognize a professional nursing program that achieves a graduation rate of 85 percent or more.
SECTION 2: Not later than December 1, 2007, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board shall adopt the rules required by this Act.
SECTION 3: Effective date.
EFFECTIVE DATE
This Act takes effect September 1, 2007.