IndianaIndiana nursing programs may increase enrollment under set limits
Starting July 1, 2026, qualifying nursing programs may increase enrollment, with the allowed amount depending on the program’s qualifications and operating history.
What it does
A qualifying nursing program that has operated for at least one year may increase enrollment by up to 100 percent.
An eligible nursing program operating for at least five years may increase enrollment at a rate it considers appropriate. The text’s definition of eligible programs is unclear.
When a nurse's board seat becomes vacant or a term expires, the Indiana State Nurses Association must recommend at least twice as many qualified nurses as there are appointments to fill.
Argument forSome nursing programs operating for at least five years could enroll more students at a pace they consider appropriate.
Argument againstA qualifying program under the one-hundred-percent limit could find it harder to grow enrollment beyond that cap.
More detail
A qualifying nursing program that has operated for at least one year may increase enrollment by up to 100 percent. This applies to a nursing program that meets all three conditions in the law. The program must be run by a postsecondary educational institution and have received board accreditation after June 30, 2020. This provision takes effect July 1, 2026.
An eligible nursing program operating for at least five years may increase enrollment at a rate it considers appropriate. The text refers to eligible associate or bachelor's degree registered nursing programs and to institutions that have operated an eligible nursing program for at least five years. The text describes the program as accredited by the board and having an annual NCLEX passing rate of at least 80 percent. The wording defining which programs qualify is unclear in the enrolled text. This provision takes effect July 1, 2026.
The Indiana State Nurses Association must recommend qualified nurses to the governor for nurse board appointments. This applies when a nurse's board seat becomes vacant or a term expires. The list must include at least twice as many qualified nurses as the number of nurse vacancies or appointments to be filled. This provision takes effect July 1, 2026.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Mar 4Public Law 89Latest
- Mar 4Signed by the Governor Mike BraunBecame Law
- Feb 27Signed by the President Pro TemporeMajor
- Feb 27Signed by the President of the SenateMajor
- Feb 26Signed by the SpeakerMajor
- Feb 25Joint Rule 15 Certification
- Feb 18Returned to the House with amendmentsMinor
- Feb 17Third reading: passed; Roll Call 187: yeas 45, nays 0Passed Senate
- Vote recorded HB 1278 - Busch - 3rd Reading. Result: pass.Upper
- Feb 12Amendment #1 (Busch) prevailed; voice voteMajor
- Feb 12Reread second time: amended, ordered engrossedMinor
- Feb 10Senator Yoder added as cosponsor
- Feb 10Placed back on second readingMinor
- Feb 10Senator Randolph added as cosponsor
- Feb 9Senator Ford J.D. added as cosponsor
- Feb 9Second reading: ordered engrossedMinor
- Feb 5Committee report: amend do pass, adoptedMinor
- Feb 2First reading: referred to Committee on Health and Provider ServicesMinor
- Jan 29Referred to the SenateMinor
- Jan 28Third reading: passed; Roll Call 128: yeas 94, nays 0Passed House
- Vote recorded HB 1278 - Barrett - 3rd Reading. Result: pass.Lower
- Jan 28Senate sponsors: Senators Busch, Charbonneau, Jackson L
- Jan 22Second reading: ordered engrossedMinor
- Jan 20Committee report: amend do pass, adoptedMinor
- Jan 20Representatives Ledbetter, Isa, Shackleford added as coauthors
- Jan 6First reading: referred to Committee on Public HealthMinor
- Jan 6Authored by Representative BarrettIntroduced
EducationHealthcare