MS HB174

Increases monetary penalties the Board of Nursing may impose on licensees from a maximum of $500 to a tiered system: $250-$1,000 for first violations and $500-$5,000 for subsequent violations

Authorizes the Board of Nursing to recover reasonable costs from licensees for investigation and disciplinary proceedings, including process service, court reporters, expert witnesses, and investigators

Monetary penalties collected must be deposited to the State General Fund, while recovered costs go to the board's special fund to reimburse its appropriated budget

Requires the board to certify that assessed costs are reasonable through the Attorney General or designee before collecting them from licensees

Effective date of July 1, 2021