IL HB2509

Requires registered professional nursing programs to measure effectiveness based on passage rates of all graduates over 3 most recent calendar years, without reference to first-time test takers only.

Mandates that graduates from Illinois nursing programs who do not take the licensure exam within 180 days of degree conferral or fail the exam a second time must complete a National Council Licensure Examination preparatory class or receive remedial educational resources from their institution at no cost.

Allows professional nursing programs on probationary status as of the effective date to be deemed in good standing for 3 years, and prohibits placing programs on probationary status before September 1, 2026 for passage rates below 75%.

Requires out-of-State nursing education programs offering clinical experiences in Illinois to ensure faculty and preceptors overseeing clinical experiences are academically and professionally competent.

Establishes that nursing programs must obtain and maintain programmatic accreditation from a national accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education beginning December 31, 2022, with notification to the Department and Board of Nursing within 30 days if accreditation is lost.