Without the governor’s signature or veto, a bill removing a requirement for nursing school faculty in Kansas has become law.
The legislation prohibits the state’s board of nursing from requiring college instructors to have credentials at least one level higher than the degree awarded in the program they teach.
The faculty nursing shortage is a significant driver of the nation’s short supply of nursing professionals.
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly allowed the bill to become law without her signature.
“I understand the urgent need to address the workforce shortage in skilled nursing and to have a sufficient number of educators to prepare future nurses,” Ms. Kelly said in an April 3 statement. “However, I have concerns that the lowered educational requirements for educators in Senate Bill 334 would result in a decreased level of rigorous academic training that would leave prospective nurses unprepared to deliver the standard of care Kansans trust nursing professionals to provide.”
Currently, the state’s board of nursing requires faculty to obtain a graduate nursing degree, and in some circumstances, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, according to the Kansas Reflector.
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
