Bill Text: GA HB675 | 2011-2012 | Regular Session | Introduced


Bill Title: Nurses; approved nursing education programs; revise definitions

Sponsorship: Slight Partisan Bill (Republican 5-2)

Status: (Passed) 2012-02-16 - Effective Date [HB675 Detail]

Download: Georgia-2011-HB675-Introduced.html
12 LC 33 4360/AP
House Bill 675 (AS PASSED HOUSE AND SENATE)
By: Representatives Cooper of the 41st, Harden of the 147th, Wilkinson of the 52nd, Kaiser of the 59th, Watson of the 163rd, and others

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT


To amend Chapter 26 of Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to nurses, so as to revise the definitions of "approved nursing education programs" for registered professional nurses and licensed practical nurses; to provide for related matters; to provide for an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:

SECTION 1.
Chapter 26 of Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to nurses, is amended by revising paragraph (1.2) of Code Section 43-26-3, relating to definitions relative to registered professional nurses, as follows:
"(1.2) 'Approved nursing education program' located in this state means a nursing education program approved by the board as meeting criteria established by the board. An 'approved nursing education program' located outside this state means a nursing education program that the board has determined to meet criteria similar to and not less stringent than criteria established by the board for nursing education programs located in this state. In order to be approved by the board, a nursing education program must be one that is offered by:
(A) A unit of the University System of Georgia accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools;
(B) An institution of the Technical College System of Georgia accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools;
(C) A nonprofit postsecondary institution of higher education that is accredited by a regional accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education; or
(D) A proprietary institution of higher education that is accredited by a regional accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education; or
(E)(D) A nonprofit postsecondary institution of higher education that is a four-year institution that is not accredited in accordance with subparagraph (C) of this paragraph, but whose curriculum has been determined by the board to meet criteria similar to and not less stringent than criteria established by the board for other approved nursing education programs."

SECTION 2.
Said chapter is further amended by revising paragraph (1.1) of Code Section 43-26-32, relating to definitions relative to licensed practical nurses, as follows:
"(1.1) 'Approved nursing education program' located in this state means a nursing education program approved by the board as meeting criteria established by the board. An 'approved nursing education program' located outside this state means a nursing education program that the board has determined to meet criteria similar to and not less stringent than criteria established by the board for nursing education programs located in this state. In order to be approved by the board, a nursing education program must be one that is offered by:
(A) A unit of the University System of Georgia accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools;
(B) An institution of the Technical College System of Georgia;
(C) A nonprofit postsecondary institution of higher education that is accredited by a regional accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education; or
(D) A proprietary institution of higher education that is accredited by a regional accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education A postsecondary institution of higher education that is not accredited in accordance with subparagraph (C) of this paragraph, but whose curriculum has been determined by the board to meet criteria similar to and not less stringent than criteria established by the board for other approved nursing education programs."

SECTION 3.
This Act shall become effective upon its approval by the Governor or upon its becoming law without such approval.

SECTION 4.
All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.
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