HB5881 Summary

• Allows Community College District No. 508 (Malcolm X College) and Community College District No. 536 (Lewis and Clark Community College) to establish RN to BSN (baccalaureate completion) nursing programs conferring a bachelor of science degree in nursing.

• Requires colleges to demonstrate unmet workforce needs, maintain accreditation or apply for accreditation from specified nursing education commissions, maintain an associate degree in nursing program, and have qualified faculty with documented nursing credentials and experience.

• Mandates colleges focus outreach efforts and give preference to minority and bilingual populations to enhance future opportunities for these groups in the nursing workforce.

• Prohibits community colleges from using semester credit hours generated in the baccalaureate program to calculate grants under Section 2-16.02.

• Requires the State Board to evaluate the pilot program and report results by July 1, 2023, including data on applicants, admissions, enrollment, employment outcomes, program costs, completion rates, and compliance with statutory requirements.