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SB 644

Nurses, Nursing - As enacted, requires the board of nursing to permit a student to enroll in a practical nursing program offered by a public institution of higher education governed by the Tennessee board of regents if the student meets the qualifications for a high school diploma or its equivalent and meets other requirements; requires the board of nursing to permit a student enrolled in a practical nursing program to sit for the national council licensure exam for practical nurses (NCLEX-PN) upon completion of a practical nursing program. - Amends TCA Title 49 and Title 63.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Rusty Crowe

Tennessee allows high school graduates to enroll in practical nursing programs at public universities and take licensure exams, expanding healthcare workforce access effective July 1, 2025.

Pub. Ch. 435
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Bill Summary · SB 644

Legislative bill overview

SB 644 removes previous licensing barriers by requiring Tennessee's Board of Nursing to allow students with a high school diploma or equivalent to enroll in practical nursing programs at public universities under the Tennessee Board of Regents, and to sit for the NCLEX-PN licensing exam upon program completion. The bill amends state nursing and higher education codes to standardize these enrollment and testing requirements.

Why is this important

Practical nursing is a critical healthcare profession facing workforce shortages, and this bill expands access to training by lowering educational prerequisites. By allowing more students to pursue practical nursing credentials at public institutions, the state aims to increase the supply of licensed practical nurses to address healthcare demands. This directly affects healthcare availability and nursing workforce diversity in Tennessee communities.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of prior requirements: The bill removes unspecified "other requirements" beyond a high school diploma—stakeholders may debate whether eliminating prerequisites (such as prerequisite courses, GPA requirements, or background checks) adequately protects patient safety
  • Program quality standards: Opening enrollment more broadly raises questions about whether nursing programs can maintain educational quality and clinical placement capacity without additional resource allocation
  • Equity vs. readiness: While expanded access promotes equity, some argue that practical nursing is a high-stakes profession requiring rigorous preparation, and the bill's language on "other requirements" may be vague about academic readiness standards

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

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