HB 1259 / Chamber Supports
Earlier this week, the Senate passed House Bill 1259, authored by Rep. Brad Barrett (R-Richmond), which helps address our lack of nurses, which is a growing crisis in Indiana. This challenge could become a severe impediment to access to health care, which is an important metric in the Chamber’s Indiana Prosperity 2035 plan.
Indiana faces a growing nursing shortage with thousands of open positions each year. To address this critical need, HB 1259 seeks to expand the nursing workforce by streamlining licensure for foreign-educated nurses and increasing on the ground training opportunities.
Building on a 2022 nursing bill, HB 1259 proposes giving hospitals the flexibility to waive an 18-month clinical experience requirement for instructors. Proponents argue this will allow more experienced nurses to mentor student nurses, ultimately increasing the number of graduates entering the workforce.
The urgency for action is undeniable. Testimony in both chambers mentioned the staggering amount of open nursing positions statewide, a number expected to rise with an aging population requiring more complex care. House Bill 1259 represents a potential step towards alleviating this pressure and ensuring Hoosiers have access to quality health care.
We applaud the Indiana General Assembly for focusing on this issue and look forward to continuing to address it in future years. The bill now moves back to the House, where it will be eligible to be concurred upon.
