HOUSE BILL 277

54th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2019

INTRODUCED BY

Gregg Schmedes and Debra M. Sariñana and Rebecca Dow and Jane E. Powdrell-Culbert

AN ACT

RELATING TO PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE; AMENDING A SECTION OF THE NURSING PRACTICE ACT TO REQUIRE THE BOARD OF NURSING TO ESTABLISH BY RULE REQUIREMENTS THAT SCHOOLS OF NURSING IN THE STATE PROVIDE NURSING EDUCATION CREDIT FOR MILITARY MEDICAL EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE.

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

     SECTION 1. Section 61-3-26 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1968, Chapter 44, Section 22, as amended) is amended to read:

     "61-3-26. SCHOOLS OF NURSING--STANDARDS--APPROVAL.--

          A. An institution desiring to conduct a nursing education program to prepare registered or licensed practical nurses shall apply to the board for approval and submit evidence that it is prepared to:

                (1) [it is prepared to] carry out a program in professional nursing education or a program in licensed practical nursing education, as the case may be; and

                (2) [it is prepared to] meet [such] standards [as are established by] that the board has established by rule.

          B. A survey of the institution with which the school is to be affiliated shall be made by a member of the board or an authorized employee of the board who shall submit a written report of the survey to the board. If, in the opinion of the board, the requirements for approval are met, a certificate of approval shall be issued.

          C. From time to time, as deemed necessary by the board, it is the duty of the board, through a board member or an authorized employee, to survey all schools of nursing in this state.

          D. For the purpose of evaluating the educational qualifications for licensure of a candidate as either a registered or licensed practical nurse under Subsection B of either Section 61-3-13 or 61-3-18 NMSA 1978, the board shall set standards comparable to the minimum standards applicable in this state for recognition of schools of nursing in other jurisdictions.

          E. The board shall adopt and promulgate rules to require all schools of nursing in the state to provide to candidates for licensure under the Nursing Practice Act nursing education credit for military medical education and experience. This credit shall be provided through the use of challenge examinations or other methods of evaluation. The board shall post on its website information directed at military personnel and veterans, which information shall explain its rules for acceptance at schools of nursing of military course work and experience."

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