Further providing for examinations and certificates; and abrogating regulations.
Summary
SB 891 would amend Pennsylvania’s Professional Nursing Law to require the State Board of Nursing to immediately admit an eligible applicant to the registered nurse examination once the applicant has satisfactorily completed an approved nursing education program and the program has submitted the required verification. The bill is aimed at speeding the transition from nursing school to licensure by preventing the Board from delaying exam admission for applicants who meet the stated requirements.
The bill also expressly abrogates any inconsistent provisions in existing regulations, specifically 49 Pa. Code §§ 21.21 and 21.23, to the extent they conflict with the new statutory requirement. It would take effect 60 days after enactment and would directly affect the Board of Nursing, nursing education programs approved under the law, and graduates seeking RN licensure.
Impact
SB 891 would change the timing and administration of nurse licensure by creating a statutory mandate for immediate exam admission upon completion and verification of an approved nursing program. It would override conflicting administrative regulations, limiting the Board of Nursing’s discretion to delay exam eligibility processing and potentially reducing bottlenecks for new nursing graduates entering the workforce.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee discussion or votes, the measure appears to be framed as a procedural efficiency bill rather than a controversial policy change. Its apparent purpose is to streamline licensure for qualified nursing graduates, suggesting a generally favorable posture toward reducing administrative delays and supporting workforce entry in nursing.
Contention
The main point of potential contention is the reduction of regulatory discretion for the State Board of Nursing. Supporters would likely view the bill as a necessary fix to speed licensure and address nursing workforce needs, while any opponents may be concerned that mandatory immediate admission could limit the Board’s ability to manage application processing, verify compliance through existing regulations, or maintain administrative flexibility. No recorded committee debate or votes are available to identify specific legislators or stakeholder groups taking positions.
In certification of teachers, further providing for certificates qualifying persons to teach, for standard employment application, for career and technical instructional certificate and for postbaccalaureate certification; and abrogating regulations.
In certification of teachers, further providing for instructional certificate grade spans and age levels and duties of department and providing for instructional certificate grade spans and age levels; and abrogating a regulation .