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Bill

HB 367

Health Occupations Boards - English Proficiency Requirements and Licensure by Endorsement for Nursing

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Gabriel Acevero and 17 co-sponsors

Maryland eases English proficiency and endorsement requirements for nurses to expand healthcare workforce access while maintaining public safety oversight.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 731
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Bill Summary · HB 367

Legislative bill overview

HB 367 modifies Maryland's health occupations licensing requirements by adjusting English proficiency standards and streamlining licensure by endorsement for nurses. The bill became law in May 2025 after passing both chambers and receiving gubernatorial approval. It addresses barriers that foreign-trained healthcare professionals may face when seeking to practice in Maryland.

Why is this important

Healthcare workforce shortages in Maryland and nationwide make immigrant healthcare workers critical to meeting patient care demands. By reducing licensing barriers through modified English proficiency requirements and endorsement pathways, the bill aims to expand the available nursing workforce while maintaining public safety standards. This directly affects hospital staffing, patient access to care, and economic opportunities for qualified foreign-trained nurses seeking licensure.

Potential points of contention

  • Patient safety concerns: Critics may argue that modified English proficiency standards could compromise communication between nurses and patients, potentially increasing medical errors or patient misunderstandings about care instructions
  • Competitive workforce impact: Some domestic nurses and nursing programs may view streamlined endorsement pathways as undercutting their credentials or creating unfair competition in job markets
  • Implementation standards: Questions remain about which specific English proficiency benchmarks were changed, how they're assessed, and whether they remain sufficient for clinical practice in high-acuity settings

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

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