House adopts two‑year moratorium on new out‑of‑state nursing program approvals

Chairman Terry told the House Senate Bill 2013 was brought by the Nurses Association to address concerns about out‑of‑state nursing students placed in Tennessee clinical sites. The bill institutes a two‑year moratorium on new approvals for out‑of‑state nursing programs that seek to operate or place students in Tennessee while the Tennessee Center of Nursing Advancement and the Board of Nursing develop improved standards, reporting requirements and oversight mechanisms.

Terry framed the measure as protecting patient safety and program quality; he said the moratorium will allow time to craft transparency and oversight improvements. The House passed the bill (Ayes 91) without further floor amendment. The bill will now proceed through enrollment and then to the governor as required.