AR HB1538

Amends Arkansas Code § 6-81-1201(6) to expand the definition of "master's or doctoral nursing education program" to explicitly include doctoral nursing programs accredited by recognized national nursing accreditation organizations or doctor of philosophy in nursing programs accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Modifies Arkansas Code § 6-81-1203(a)(2) to expand eligibility for rural advanced nursing practice and nurse educator loans to include applicants enrolled in accredited master's or doctoral nursing programs or doctor of philosophy in nursing programs leading to a graduate degree in nursing.

Makes doctoral nursing programs at Arkansas public and private institutions of higher education eligible for funding through the graduate nursing practice and nurse educator student loans and scholarships program.

Approved March 30, 2017.