House Bill 1905, also known as the "Tennessee Nursing Education Integrity and Oversight Act," aims to enhance the oversight and accountability of nursing education programs, particularly those based outside of Tennessee. The bill establishes a temporary moratorium on the approval of out-of-state nursing programs seeking to operate or place students for clinical experiences within the state. This moratorium will last for two years from the effective date of the act, during which the Tennessee Center for Nursing Advancement and the Board of Nursing will develop improved standards and reporting procedures for these programs. Existing out-of-state programs that have already been approved will retain their status but must comply with data reporting requirements.

The bill outlines specific definitions and mandates the development of new standards for out-of-state nursing programs that utilize Tennessee-licensed preceptors or clinical sites. Key areas of focus for these standards include verification of preceptors, annual reporting requirements, faculty oversight, and mechanisms to ensure educational equivalency and patient protection. The Center for Nursing Advancement is required to publish a report with the recommended standards by June 30, 2027, and to provide annual updates on the oversight of out-of-state programs. The authority of the Board of Nursing to enforce compliance during the moratorium remains intact.