AR SB299

Establishes nursing earn-to-learn programs allowing nursing students seeking initial licensure as licensed practical nurses or registered nurses to earn direct patient care clinical credit hours while working as certified nursing assistants, patient care technicians, or similar positions in healthcare facilities.

Limits nursing students to maximum of 20 hours per week in earn-to-learn work positions.

Caps direct patient care clinical credit hours earned through the program at 50 percent of the foundational or senior-level curricula clinical credit hours required by the nursing program.

Permits senior-level nursing students to receive credit for advanced patient care positions if working with at least 1 but no more than 2 nurses to ensure patient safety and quality student experience.

Requires nursing programs and healthcare facilities to collaborate on standardized student evaluation processes and establish boundaries based on accreditation standards and Arkansas State Board of Nursing rules, with at least one nurse supervisor or clinical nurse educator overseeing students.