Nurses; require to receive training on human trafficking and certify such receipt when applying for or renewing their licenses.

HB 1547 (the H.O.P.E. Act) requires all nurses applying for or renewing a license in Mississippi to complete one hour of trauma-informed human trafficking training and certify this completion to the Mississippi Board of Nursing. The bill mandates nurses to report suspected human trafficking involving minors to Child Protection Services and cases involving adults to law enforcement under specific conditions (imminent danger, victim consent, or legal requirement), with reports due within 24 hours of forming a reasonable suspicion. Failure to comply would violate Mississippi Nursing Practice Law and subject nurses to disciplinary action by the Board. The requirements take effect January 1, 2027, and amend several sections of the state’s nursing and trafficking laws.