The Florida House of Representatives has introduced House Resolution HR 1493, which calls on the National Council of State Boards of Nursing to create and distribute the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and its 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 the total population, and the observed lower pass rates on the NCLEX for non-native English speakers. The resolution highlights the success of providing the NCLEX in French in Canada, which led to improved pass rates for French-speaking candidates, suggesting that similar measures could benefit Spanish-speaking nursing students in Florida.

The resolution also addresses the ongoing nursing shortage in Florida, projected to reach 59,000 vacancies by 2035, and emphasizes the importance of ensuring that nursing graduates have the best opportunity to succeed on the NCLEX. It notes that Florida already offers licensing examinations in Spanish for various professions and has made efforts to increase the supply of nurses through funding and support for nursing programs. By requesting the NCLEX in Spanish, the resolution aims to enhance accessibility and support for nursing students, ultimately contributing to a more robust healthcare workforce in the state.