Committee hears bill to expand credential-evaluation options for internationally educated nurses

LANSING — The Michigan House Health Policy Committee heard testimony on House Bill 48-99, which would require the Michigan Board of Nursing to accept credential evaluations from both the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) and the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) when evaluating internationally educated registered nurses.

A presenter told the committee the bill is intended to promote licensure consistency, protect patient safety and help address the state's nursing shortage by offering applicants an additional recognized credentialing pathway while keeping existing requirements such as passing the NCLEX-RN exam.

The presenter said the change would not waive or weaken licensing requirements and would apply only when nurses meet statutory licensing prerequisites. The committee heard one written card of support from Jared Scribe of the Mackinac Center; no formal vote was recorded at this meeting.

Committee members asked clarifying questions about whether the bill changes existing standards; the presenter reiterated that licensure processes and NCLEX-RN requirements remain unchanged.