Pennsylvania SB 998: An Act providing for the Nurse Education Capacity Expansion Grant Program; and imposing duties on the Department of Community and Economic Development.

Bill Text

PRINTER'S NO. 1216
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE BILL
No. 998
Session of
2025
INTRODUCED BY BROWN, COLLETT, PENNYCUICK, FONTANA, COSTA,
ARGALL, KANE, CAPPELLETTI, BAKER, MALONE, SCHWANK, CULVER,
SAVAL, MILLER AND LAUGHLIN, OCTOBER 7, 2025
REFERRED TO INSTITUTIONAL SUSTAINABILITY AND INNOVATION,
OCTOBER 7, 2025
AN ACT
Providing for the Nurse Education Capacity Expansion Grant
Program; and imposing duties on the Department of Community
and Economic Development.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. Short title.
This act shall be known and may be cited as the Nurse
Education Capacity Expansion Grant Program Act.
Section 2. Definitions.
The following words and phrases when used in this act shall
have the meanings given to them in this section unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Application." An application developed and submitted under
section 5.
"Department." The Department of Community and Economic
Development of the Commonwealth.
"Faculty" or "faculty assistant." As defined under 49 Pa.
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Code Ch. 21 (relating to State Board of Nursing).
"Grant." A grant awarded under this act.
"Program." The Nurse Education Capacity Expansion Grant
Program established under section 3.
Section 3. Establishment and eligibility.
(a) Establishment.--The Nurse Education Capacity Expansion
Grant Program is established in the department for the purpose
of expanding the capacity of accredited nursing education
programs to increase the number of qualified students.
(b) Grant eligibility.--An eligible nursing education
program shall have:
(1) Accreditation as a nursing educational program by
the State Board of Nursing.
(2) Operated with graduating classes for at least three
years.
(3) A graduation rate at the time of application of no
less than 70%.
(4) A pass rate of no less than 80% among eligible
nursing students on the National Council Licensure
Examination - NCLEX in the prior year to application.
(5) An 80% job placement for graduating nursing students
within one year of graduation for the class prior to the date
of application.
(6) The appropriate training curriculum and facilities
to educate nursing students.
(7) The appropriate competencies to provide nursing
education for nursing students.
(c) Grant amount.--No grant may exceed $500,000 to any one
nursing education program during the length of the program.
Section 4. Uses of grant.
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The nursing education program application shall include a
detailed explanation of the proposed use of the grant. Proposed
uses may include:
(1) Addition of new faculty or faculty assistants,
including full-time or part-time positions.
(2) Adjustments to faculty compensation packages to be
able to competitively recruit or retain full-time or part-
time instructors.
(3) Scholarships for faculty development.
(4) Improvement of clinical partnerships and
preceptorship programs.
Section 5. Administration.
The department shall develop a standard application for the
program and publish guidelines for the administration of the
program. The department shall prioritize grant applications from
eligible nursing school providers that serve underrepresented
student populations or underserved communities.
Section 6. Effective date.
This act shall take effect in 60 days.
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