BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center                                                                                                        S.B. 138

80R1870 RMB-D                                                                                                             By: Nelson

Health and Human Services

2/2/2007

As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

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.

As proposed, S.B. 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

Rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board in SECTION 1 (Section 61.0901, Education Code) of this bill.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter C, Chapter 61, Education Code, by adding Section 61.0901, as follows:

Sec. 61.0901. INCENTIVES TO PROMOTE RETENTION AND GRADUATION OF NURSING STUDENTS. (a) Defines "professional nursing program."

(b) Requires the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) to consider and develop methods to promote retention and graduation of students enrolled in a professional nursing program. Requires THECB to adopt rules to implement those methods it considers feasible.

(c) Requires THECB, by rule, to establish a program to recognize a professional nursing program that achieves a graduation of than 85 percent or more.

SECTION 2. Requires the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to adopt rules under Section 61.0901, Education Code, no later than December 1, 2007.

SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2007.