This bill amends K.S.A. 2025 Supp. 74-1112 to require advance practice registered nurses and registered nurse anesthetists to undergo a criminal history check as part of their application for a nursing license. The amendment specifies that the board of nursing may require applicants to be fingerprinted and submit to both state and national criminal history record checks. Additionally, the board is authorized to establish a fee for the fingerprinting process, which will be used to reimburse the board for the associated costs. The bill also creates a criminal background and fingerprinting fund within the state treasury to cover expenses related to processing fingerprints and background checks.

Furthermore, the bill repeals the existing section of K.S.A. 2025 Supp. 74-1112, streamlining the language and updating the requirements for nursing licensure. The term "applicant" is defined to encompass individuals applying for various nursing licenses, including those for professional nurses, advanced practice registered nurses, registered nurse anesthetists, practical nurses, and mental health technicians. The act will take effect upon its publication in the statute book.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 74-1112