House Resolution HR 1493 requests the National Council of State Boards of Nursing to create and distribute the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and its test preparation materials in Spanish for nursing candidates in Florida. This request is motivated by the significant Hispanic and Latino population in the state, which constitutes 26% of Florida's residents. Studies indicate that non-native English speakers tend to perform worse on the NCLEX, and the resolution cites the successful implementation of the exam in French in Canada, which led to improved pass rates for French-speaking candidates.

The resolution highlights Florida's ongoing nursing shortage, projected to reach 59,000 vacancies by 2035, and emphasizes the importance of ensuring that nursing students have the best opportunity to succeed on the NCLEX. It notes that Florida already provides licensing examinations in Spanish for various professions and has made efforts to increase the nursing workforce through funding and support for nursing programs. By requesting the NCLEX in Spanish, the resolution aims to enhance accessibility and improve the chances of success for Spanish-speaking nursing students in Florida.