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Bill

A 7485

Relates to authorizing community colleges offering an associates degree program in nursing to offer a four-year bachelors degree program in nursing

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Gary Pretlow

Authorizes community colleges with ADN programs to add BSN programs, expanding access to four-year nursing degrees within the same college.

REFERRED TO HIGHER EDUCATION
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Bill Summary · A 7485

Summary of Bill A 7485

Overview

  • Bill number: A 7485
  • Title: Relates to authorizing community colleges offering an associate degree program in nursing to offer a four-year bachelor’s degree program in nursing
  • Sponsor: J. Gary Pretlow (primary)
  • Status: Referred to Higher Education
  • Introduced: March 28, 2025
  • Related actions: Referred to Higher Education on 2025-03-28 (listed twice in the record)

Purpose and Intent

The bill aims to expand nursing education options by authorizing community colleges that currently offer an associate degree in nursing (ADN) to establish and operate a four-year bachelor’s degree program in nursing (BSN) within the same institution. The core intent is to broaden access to BSN education through community college settings, potentially strengthening the nursing workforce pipeline in the state.

Key Provisions (as indicated by the bill’s title)

  • Authorization for community colleges with ADN programs to add BSN programs.
  • Expanded program scope within the same institution (community college) to include four-year degree offerings in nursing.
  • The bill would authorize, rather than mandate, BSN programs at qualifying community colleges (consistent with the use of the word “authorizing” in the title).

Note: The provided summary does not include the full text, so specific implementation details (eligibility criteria, accreditation standards, governance, funding mechanisms, or oversight) are not listed here. Those details would appear in the actual bill language.

Affected Parties and Institutions

  • Community colleges currently offering ADN programs in nursing
  • Students enrolled in or seeking to enroll in nursing programs at eligible community colleges
  • Higher education administration and governance bodies responsible for program approvals and oversight

Implementation and Timeline Considerations

  • Legislative action completed to date: referral to the Higher Education committee (as of March 28, 2025)
  • No specific dates for program implementation or funding are provided in the summary; the bill would typically require subsequent rulemaking, accreditation alignment, and budgetary consideration if enacted.
  • Related legislation in prior sessions (A 2680, A 7915, A 1005, A 2849, A 1725, A 4647) suggests a broader policy interest in expanding nursing education pathways and BSN availability.

Related Legislation

  • Prior-session related bills: A 2680, A 7915, A 1005, A 2849, A 1725, A 4647
  • These related bills indicate ongoing interest in allowing or expanding BSN offerings, potentially across community colleges or similar institutions.

Potential Impact

  • Positive implications: Enlarged access to BSN programs, potential strengthening of the nursing workforce, clearer pathways from ADN to BSN within community college systems, improved opportunities for local healthcare workforce development.
  • Considerations: Need for faculty staffing, clinical placement capacity, accreditation alignment (e.g., with state nursing boards and regional accrediting bodies), funding for program development and operation, and transfer/credit transfer policies for students pursuing BSN degrees.

Next Steps for Readers

  • Monitor actions in the Higher Education committee for passage, amendments, or further referrals.
  • Review the full bill text once available to understand detailed requirements, funding provisions (if any), and governance structures.
  • Consider how this proposal aligns with state workforce needs and existing nursing education pathways.

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

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