MD HB1284

Residential service agencies providing private duty nursing may hire licensed nurses who lack the Department-required clinical experience, provided the agency offers on-site training and competency evaluation

Agencies must establish training programs designed for safe patient care, assign nurses to qualified preceptors or clinical supervisors until competency is demonstrated, and document completion in personnel files

Nurses hired under this provision must receive clinical supervision from a registered nurse qualified in private duty nursing services

Competency evaluations must be conducted annually, or more frequently for disciplinary purposes as required by the Maryland Department of Health

Training programs and competency evaluations are subject to Department approval; the bill takes effect October 1, 2026