Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB86

Introduced
1/14/25  

Caption

An Act amending the act of May 22, 1951 (P.L.317, No.69), known as The Professional Nursing Law, further providing for State Board of Nursing.

Impact

If enacted, HB86 would significantly affect the governance structure of the State Board of Nursing. By focusing on local residency and relevant experience, the bill seeks to improve the quality of oversight in nursing practices. The appointment process, now needing a more diverse representation of both nursing disciplines and dietetics, may lead to a more well-rounded approach in addressing issues within these fields. This change is expected to strengthen the board's capacity to make informed decisions that reflect contemporary practices and concerns in nursing and nutrition.

Summary

House Bill 86 aims to amend the Professional Nursing Law in Pennsylvania by revising the composition and appointment process for the State Board of Nursing. The bill proposes that the board should consist of various members, including registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and a dietitian-nutritionist. These appointments must be made with careful consideration to ensure representation from diversified fields within nursing and dietetics. The legislation reinforces the requirement that board members must be residents of the state and have relevant experience, thereby aiming to enhance the effectiveness and credibility of the board overseeing nursing practices.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB86 appears to be largely positive, with support from nursing professionals and public health advocates who argue that a more inclusive and representative board will lead to better governance in nursing practices. Proponents argue that this bill will help ensure that the oversight provided by the board is tailored to meet the needs of practitioners and the public alike. However, there are concerns regarding specifically how the representation will be balanced among the different sectors, which may spark debate among stakeholders in the nursing and healthcare community.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB86 include the implications of membership qualifications and term limits for board members. While the bill aims to ensure diverse representation, there may be disagreements regarding the specific qualifications required for board members, especially concerning the dietitian-nutritionist role. Additionally, the existing regulations that limit the terms of board members could be perceived as restrictive, potentially affecting the board's continuity and expertise. The ongoing discussions around these provisions reflect broader themes of governance, accountability, and adaptability within healthcare regulation.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB588

Further providing for continuing nursing education.

PA SB25

Further providing for title, for definitions, for State Board of Nursing, for dietitian-nutritionist l icense required, for unauthorized practices and acts not prohibited, for temporary practice permit, for graduates of schools of other states, territories or Dominion of Canada, for persons entitled to practice, for certified registered nurse practitioners and qualifications, for scope of practice for certified registered nurse practitioners, for prescriptive authority for certified registered nurse practitioners, for Drug Review Committee, for professional liability, for reporting of multiple licensure, for continuing nursing education, for punishment for violations, for refusal, suspension or revocation of licenses, for reinstatement of license and for injunction or other process; and providing for the expiration of the State Board of Nursing's power to license certified registered nurse practitioners.

PA HB567

Modify laws governing the Board of Nursing, nursing professionals

PA HB573

In recovery of possession, further providing for escrow funds limited.

PA HB72

Providing for tenants' rights in cases of violence.

PA HB739

Further providing for title, for definitions, for State Board of Nursing, for dietitian-nutritionist l icense required, for unauthorized practices and acts not prohibited, for temporary practice permit, for graduates of schools of other states, territories or Dominion of Canada, for persons entitled to practice, for certified registered nurse practitioners and qualifications, for scope of practice for certified registered nurse practitioners, for prescriptive authority for certified registered nurse practitioners, for Drug Review Committee, for professional liability, for reporting of multiple licensure, for continuing nursing education, for punishment for violations, for refusal, suspension or revocation of licenses, for reinstatement of license and for injunction or other process; and providing for the expiration of the State Board of Nursing's power to license certified registered nurse practitioners.

PA HB380

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions.

PA HB694

Further providing for confidentiality of reports and records.

PA HB616

AN ACT relating to the Board of Nursing.

PA HB389

Establishing the New Nursing Faculty Grant Program; providing for duties of the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency; and making an appropriation.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.