SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes led a measure revising requirements for nursing programs, aligning standards with other states.
“Ensuring patients receive top-notch medical care starts with provider education,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “Bringing Illinois’ nursing standards in line with other states will give nurses the proper training to work anywhere in the country – Illinois or any other state.”
Since Dec. 31, 2022, a national nursing accrediting body licenses registered nurses across the country. Cervantes’ law standardizes this process by having the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation’s Board of Nursing oversee all Illinois nursing education programs, including new program creation, curriculum and simulation use in education.
The law also adds evidence-based standards as a measurement for evaluations and approvals in nursing education programs. Further, it modifies the compliance process for monitoring programs, including regular site visits, to focus more on programs with non-compliance signs and providing remediation pathways.
“This law emphasizes the importance of nursing education,” said Cervantes. “Helping nurses achieve their foundational skill sets allows them to provide patients with the best care possible.”
House Bill 1807 was signed into law Friday and takes effect on Sept. 1.
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