SPRINGFIELD – Thanks to an initiative led by State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes, the Board of Nursing at the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation will have more authority to oversee the establishment and administration of new and existing nursing programs, creating consistency and a high standard of quality across all programs statewide.

“Nurses are essential to maintaining the health of our communities. It is important, for their well-being and ours, that our nursing programs meet national standards and provide transferable skills to young professionals,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “This measure will allow nurses to move around the state if they choose and be recognized nationally for having an IL RN license.”

House Bill 1807 would require the Board of Nursing at the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to oversee a variety of elements of new and existing nursing programs, including accreditation standards, program remediation, withdrawal or closure of programs, and more. The measure would give the Board of Nursing authority to approve or disapprove of program directors to ensure that the person selected is qualified for the role, as well as purview over the program curriculum and faculty members.

In addition, House Bill 1807 would allow IDFPR to rescind the nursing license of any person after completing or obtaining credit from a program that does not meet established requirements. This measure is intended to protect Illinoisans from being seen by a medical provider whose training is not up to the national standard of quality.

“In Illinois, we deserve high-quality health care, and that includes ensuring our medical staff are credibly licensed,” said Cervantes. “This initiative will help our education system continue to evolve, and make sure that our nursing programs not only meet national standards, but set them.”

House Bill 1807 passed the Senate Licensed Activities committee on Wednesday.

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