HOUSE BILL 59

51st legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2014

INTRODUCED BY

Terry H. McMillan

AN ACT

RELATING TO NURSING EDUCATION; EXPANDING THE PURPOSE OF THE NURSE EDUCATORS FUND TO ALLOW OTHER REGISTERED NURSES TO OBTAIN HIGHER DEGREES TO QUALIFY TO BE NURSING EDUCATORS.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     SECTION 1. Section 21-1-27.7 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 2005, Chapter 136, Section 1) is amended to read:

     "21-1-27.7. FUND CREATED.--

          A. There is created in the [commission on higher education] state treasury the "nurse educators fund". The state treasurer shall deposit in the fund all amounts appropriated or credited to the fund. The fund shall be administered by the [commission on] higher education department, which shall charge not more than a five percent administrative fee. Earnings from investment of the fund shall accrue to the credit of the fund. Any balance in the fund at the end of any fiscal year shall remain in the fund for appropriation by the legislature [as provided in this section].

          B. The purpose of the fund is to:

                (1) enhance the ability of college- and university-employed nursing educators to obtain bachelor of science, master of science and doctor of philosophy in nursing degrees; and

                (2) allow other registered nurses to obtain bachelor of science, master of science, doctorate of nursing practice and doctor of philosophy in nursing degrees to qualify them to be employed as nursing educators in New Mexico colleges and universities.

          C. The [commission on] higher education department shall develop rules for continuing employment or pay-back provisions for nursing educators and other registered nurses who use the fund."

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