California 2025-2026 Regular Session

California Senate Bill SB975

Introduced
2/4/26  
Introduced
2/4/26  

Caption

An act to amend Section 2787 of the Business and Professions Code, relating to healing arts.

Impact

The implications of SB 975 are significant, as the bill aims to alleviate barriers for nursing faculty seeking to qualify under the board’s standards. By allowing the board to accept remediation plans for applicants at community colleges, the bill addresses the challenge of having qualified instructors in nursing education. This aspect is of particular importance given California's ongoing nursing workforce shortages, as it seeks to ensure that nursing programs can continue to offer quality education and training opportunities despite potential faculty qualification gaps.

Summary

Senate Bill No. 975, introduced by Senator Ochoa Bogh, seeks to amend Section 2787 of the Business and Professions Code, which governs the approval of faculty members, directors, and assistant directors in nursing schools and programs in California. The bill adjusts the existing requirements for the approval process of nursing faculty, emphasizing a more streamlined approach for applicants seeking individual approval from the Board of Registered Nursing. It mandates that applicants demonstrate their qualifications via a completed application, and, when necessary, include an approved remediation plan if they do not fully meet established requirements.

Contention

Notably, the bill also states that no reimbursement is necessary for costs incurred by local agencies or school districts, which means that any costs associated with creating new infractions or addressing changes to existing ones will not require state funding. This could be a point of contention among critics who may argue that additional expenses should be accounted for within the budgetary framework. Furthermore, the bill specifies changes in faculty reporting obligations, as it exempts certain faculty changes, which could lead to discussions regarding accountability and oversight in nursing education.

Final_note

Overall, SB 975 reflects an effort to modernize the faculty approval process for nursing programs in California, balancing the need for qualified personnel with the operational challenges faced by educational institutions. The adjustments proposed in this bill could have far-reaching effects on nursing education and the overall healthcare landscape in the state.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

CA SB1302

An act to amend Sections 2701, 2708, 2709, 2730, 2737, 2740, 2746.51, 2746.53, 2760.1, 2770.11, 2785, 2786, 2786.3, 2787, 2788, 2796, 2811.5, 2830.7, 2835, 2836.3, 2837.103, and 2838.2 of the Business and Professions Code, relating to healing arts.

CA AB529

An act to amend Section 4062 of the Business and Professions Code, relating to healing arts.

CA SB389

An act to amend Section 3765 of the Business and Professions Code, and to amend Section 49423.

CA AB408

An act to repeal and add Article 14 (commencing with Section 2340) of Chapter 5 of Division 2 of the Business and Professions Code, relating to healing arts.

CA AB1130

An act to add Article 10 (commencing with Section 1980) to Chapter 4 of Division 2 of the Business and Professions Code, relating to healing arts. amend Section 84513 of the Government Code, relating to the Political Reform Act of 1974.

CA SB788

An act to amend Section 22258 of the Business and Professions Code, relating to business.

CA AB1215

Hospitals: medical staff membership.

CA AB516

Registered veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants: scope of practice.

CA AB1082

Nursing: students in out-of-state nursing programs.

CA AB1434

Health care boards: workforce data collection.

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