The bill seeks to extend the Alabama Board of Nursing's operations until October 1, 2029, in accordance with the Alabama Sunset Law. It amends Section 34-21-2 of the Code of Alabama 1975, introducing new requirements for board member appointments. Starting June 1, 2025, each member must reside in and be appointed from each congressional district in Alabama, with any remaining members appointed from the state at-large. This change aims to enhance the board's geographic representation. The bill also maintains existing code sections regarding board member qualifications and appointment processes, ensuring that the Governor appoints members from diverse nursing backgrounds and that the consumer member has no financial interests in healthcare facilities.

Additionally, the bill outlines the board's powers and responsibilities, including the authority to adopt rules for nursing education, approve curricula, and issue licenses. It introduces new provisions defining the qualifications of the executive officer, who must be a licensed professional nurse with a master's degree and relevant experience, and mandates that this officer be bonded. The bill also establishes a review process by the Sunset Committee to assess participation in the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact, with the first review set for 2024. Overall, the act emphasizes the need for impartiality and diversity within the board while clarifying compensation structures for its members, with an effective date of June 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 34-21-1, 34-21-155
Engrossed: 34-21-1, 34-21-155