AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- NURSES

SB 687 proposes several changes to the regulation of nurses and the Board of Nursing. The bill revises the composition of the Board of Nursing, adjusting the number and types of professional nurses, practical nurses, and public members, and extends board member terms from three to four years. It also updates the board's powers, allowing it to require physical or psychiatric examinations for licensees with probable cause of impairment and refer them to non-disciplinary alternative programs. Additionally, it clarifies the qualifications for practical nurse applicants and streamlines the electronic license renewal process. These changes directly affect licensed nurses and the state's Board of Nursing.