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HD 3531

An Act relative to waiving education requirements for skilled veterans to be LPNs

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Kate Lipper-Garabedian

Allows military medical training to count toward LPN licensure, enabling eligible veterans to sit for the LPN exam without a traditional approved PN program.

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Bill Summary · HD 3531

Summary: An Act relative to waiving education requirements for skilled veterans to be LPNs (HD 3531)

Overview

This proposed Massachusetts bill would authorize a waiver program allowing certain military personnel to pursue Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) certification without completing a traditional, approved PN program, provided they satisfactorily complete relevant military medical training. The change would be implemented by the Board of Registration in Nursing, with regulatory details to be established by the Department of Public Health (DPH).

Key Provisions

  • Insert new Section 76C into Chapter 112 of the General Laws.
  • The Board of Registration in Nursing shall create a waiver program for military personnel who satisfactorily complete medical training offered through the military.
  • Under the waiver, these individuals may sit for the licensed practical nursing certification without the requirement to graduate from an approved PN program.
  • The Department of Public Health is required to promulgate regulations implementing the waiver program no later than January 1, 2026.

Affected Parties

  • Military veterans and other personnel who have completed military medical training.
  • Board of Registration in Nursing (regulatory authority to design and oversee the waiver program).
  • Department of Public Health (responsible for issuing regulations to implement the program).
  • Potential applicants for LPN licensure in Massachusetts who previously would have needed an approved PN program.

Implementation Timeline and Process

  • Regulatory authority (DPH) must issue implementing regulations by January 1, 2026.
  • The program would allow eligible military-trained individuals to sit for the LPN certification exam (subject to meeting ongoing licensure requirements such as exam passage and application processes).

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Expands the LPN workforce by recognizing military medical training as a pathway to licensure.
  • Creates standards for determining “satisfactorily complete medical training” to ensure public-safety and competency, to be defined in regulations.
  • May require additional competency assessments or bridging requirements as determined by the Board and DPH.
  • Could affect traditional PN education demand and bridge programs for veterans transitioning to civilian healthcare roles.

Context and Related

  • A similar measure was previously filed in a prior session (House No. 3519, 2023-2024), indicating ongoing interest in veteran pathways to nursing licensure.
  • This proposal focuses on licensing prerequisites and regulatory formulation rather than creating new degrees or changing licensure exams themselves.

If you’d like, I can compare this bill to current nursing licensure requirements or provide a brief impact assessment for veterans’ employment in Massachusetts healthcare settings.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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