TO REQUIRE ADOPTION OF A STATEWIDE PRACTICAL NURSING PROGRAM CORE CURRICULUM TO INCREASE CONSISTENCY IN PRACTICAL NURSING EDUCATION.

HB 1566 requires all practical nursing programs in Arkansas to adopt a statewide core curriculum by the 2029-2030 academic year, affecting institutions of higher education and future practical nursing students. This 44-credit-hour curriculum aims to increase consistency in practical nursing education across the state. It will be developed by the Nurse Administrators of Nursing Education Programs, as an advisory group to the Arkansas State Board of Nursing. The bill allows programs flexibility in determining the breakdown of instructional hours and includes options for certified nurse aides and medication assistive persons to receive credit for prior learning.