Illinois General Assembly - Full Text of SB0931
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Full Text of SB0931  94th General Assembly

SB0931sam001 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Sen. M. Maggie Crotty

Filed: 4/5/2006

 

 


 

 


 
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1
AMENDMENT TO SENATE BILL 931

2     AMENDMENT NO. ______. Amend Senate Bill 931 by replacing
3 everything after the enacting clause with the following:
 
4
"ARTICLE 5. GENERAL PROVISIONS.

 
5     Section 5-5. Short title. This Act may be cited as the
6 Nurse Educator Assistance Act.
 
7     Section 5-10. Purpose. The purpose of this Act is to
8 attract capable and promising students to the nursing educator
9 profession, increase employment and retention of individuals
10 who are working towards or who have received a master's or
11 doctoral degree in nursing, and provide opportunities for
12 persons making mid-career decisions to enter the nurse educator
13 profession.
 
14     Section 5-15. Definitions. In this Act:
15     "Approved program of professional nursing education" and
16 "approved program of practical nursing education" mean
17 programs of professional or practical nursing, respectively,
18 approved by the Department of Financial and Professional
19 Regulation under the provisions of the Nursing and Advanced
20 Practice Nursing Act.
21     "Commission" means the Illinois Student Assistance
22 Commission.
 

 

 

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1     Section 5-20. Rulemaking. The Commission shall adopt all
2 rules necessary for the administration of this Act.
 
3
ARTICLE 10. NURSE EDUCATOR LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM.

 
4     Section 10-5. Nurse Educator Loan Repayment Program. There
5 is created, beginning July 1, 2007, the Nurse Educator Loan
6 Repayment Program to be administered by the Illinois Student
7 Assistance Commission. The program shall provide assistance,
8 subject to appropriation, to eligible nurse educators.
 
9     Section 10-10. Award; maximum time period; maximum amount.
10 Subject to appropriation, the Commission shall award a grant to
11 each qualified applicant for a maximum of 4 years. The amount
12 of this grant shall not exceed $5,000 per year. The Commission
13 shall encourage the recipient of a grant awarded under the
14 program to use the grant award for payment of the recipient's
15 educational loan.
 
16     Section 10-15. Application. All applications for grant
17 assistance under the program shall be made to the Commission in
18 a form and manner prescribed by the Commission. Applicants
19 shall also submit any supporting documents deemed necessary by
20 the Commission at the time of application.
 
21     Section 10-20. Eligibility.
22     (a) The Commission shall, on an annual basis, receive and
23 consider applications for grant assistance under the program.
24 An applicant is eligible for a grant under the program if the
25 Commission finds that the applicant:
26         (1) is a United States citizen or permanent resident;
27         (2) is a resident of Illinois;
28         (3) has worked for at least 12 consecutive months as a

 

 

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1     nurse educator in an approved program of professional or
2     practical nursing education in Illinois;
3         (4) is a borrower with an outstanding balance due on an
4     educational loan; and
5         (5) has not defaulted on an educational loan.
6     (b) Preference may be given to previous recipients of a
7 grant under the program, provided that the recipient continues
8 to meet the eligibility requirements set forth in this Section.
9     (c) A recipient of a grant under the program must fulfill a
10 separate 12-month period as a nurse educator in an approved
11 program of professional or practical nursing education in
12 Illinois for each grant that he or she is awarded.
 
13
ARTICLE 15. NURSE EDUCATOR SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM.

 
14     Section 15-5. Nurse Educator Scholarship Program. There is
15 created, beginning July 1, 2006, the Nurse Educator Scholarship
16 Program to be administered by the Illinois Student Assistance
17 Commission. The program shall provide scholarship assistance,
18 subject to appropriation, to eligible students for
19 nursing-related graduate study.
 
20     Section 15-10. Scholarship award; maximum time period;
21 maximum amount.
22     (a) Subject to appropriation, the Commission shall award a
23 nurse educator scholarship to each qualified applicant in an
24 amount sufficient to pay the tuition and fees of the Illinois
25 institution of higher learning at which the recipient is
26 enrolled, up to the current maximum amount of tuition and fees
27 charged to students enrolled in an approved program of
28 professional or practical nursing education at a public
29 university.
30     (b) Scholarship recipients shall also receive a stipend,
31 the amount of which shall not exceed $10,000, to cover other

 

 

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1 costs of attendance, including, but not limited to, living
2 expenses. Stipend amounts for recipients enrolled on less than
3 a full-time basis shall be prorated by credit hour.
4     (c) A recipient may receive scholarship assistance under
5 the program for the equivalent of 8 semesters or 16 quarters of
6 full-time enrollment.
7     (d) The total amount of scholarship assistance awarded by
8 the Commission under the program to an individual in any given
9 fiscal year, when added to other financial assistance awarded
10 to that individual for that year, may not exceed the cost of
11 attendance at the institution of higher learning at which the
12 student is enrolled.
 
13     Section 15-15. Application. All applications for a
14 scholarship under the program shall be made to the Commission
15 in a form and manner prescribed by the Commission. Applicants
16 shall also submit any supporting documents deemed necessary by
17 the Commission at the time of application.
 
18     Section 15-20. Eligibility.
19     (a) The Commission shall, on an annual basis, receive and
20 consider applications for scholarship assistance under the
21 program. An applicant is eligible for a scholarship under the
22 program if the Commission finds that the applicant:
23         (1) is a United States citizen or permanent resident;
24         (2) is a resident of Illinois;
25         (3) is enrolled or accepted for enrollment on at least
26     a half-time basis in an approved program of professional or
27     practical nursing education at the graduate level at an
28     Illinois institution of higher learning.
29     (b) Scholarship recipients shall be selected from among
30 eligible applicants based on a combination of academic
31 excellence and financial need, as determined by the Commission.
32     (c) Preference may be given to previous recipients of a

 

 

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1 scholarship under the program, provided that the recipient
2 continues to meet the eligibility requirements set forth in
3 this Section and maintains satisfactory academic progress as
4 determined by the institution of higher education at which he
5 or she is enrolled.
6     (d) Prior to receiving scholarship assistance for any
7 academic year, each recipient of a scholarship awarded under
8 the program must sign an agreement pledging that, within the
9 one-year period following the termination of the academic
10 program for which the recipient was awarded a scholarship, the
11 recipient shall (i) begin working as an educator in an approved
12 program of professional nursing education or an approved
13 program of practical nursing education in Illinois for a period
14 of not less than 5 years and (ii) upon request of the
15 Commission, provide the Commission with evidence that he or she
16 is fulfilling or has fulfilled the terms of the work agreement
17 required under this subsection (d).
 
18     Section 15-25. Payment to institution. All scholarship
19 funds distributed under the program shall be paid to the
20 institution on behalf of the scholarship recipient.
 
21     Section 15-30. Repayment upon default; exception.
22     (a) If a recipient of a scholarship awarded under this
23 Section fails to fulfill the work agreement required under the
24 program, the Commission shall require the recipient to repay
25 the amount of the scholarship or scholarships received,
26 prorated according to the fraction of the work agreement not
27 completed, plus interest at a rate of 5% and, if applicable,
28 reasonable collection fees.
29     (b) Payments received by the Commission under this Section
30 shall be remitted to the State Comptroller for deposit into the
31 General Revenue Fund, except that that portion of a recipient's
32 repayment that equals the amount in expenses that the

 

 

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1 Commission has reasonably incurred in attempting collection
2 from that recipient shall be remitted to the State Comptroller
3 for deposit into the Commission's Accounts Receivable Fund.
4     (c) A recipient of a scholarship awarded by the Commission
5 under the program shall not be in violation of the agreement
6 entered into pursuant to this Article if the recipient is (i)
7 serving as a member of the armed services of the United States,
8 (ii) temporarily totally disabled, as established by a sworn
9 affidavit of a qualified physician, (iii) seeking and unable to
10 find full-time employment as a nursing educator and is able to
11 provide evidence of that fact, or (iv) taking additional
12 courses, on at least a half-time basis, related to nursing
13 education. Any extension of the period during which the work
14 requirement must be fulfilled shall be subject to limitations
15 of duration established by the Commission.
 
16
ARTICLE 90. AMENDATORY PROVISIONS.

 
17     Section 90-5. The Board of Higher Education Act is amended
18 by adding Sections 9.31 and 9.32 as follows:
 
19     (110 ILCS 205/9.31 new)
20     Sec. 9.31. Competitive grants to nursing schools. In order
21 to increase the number of nurses graduating from Illinois
22 institutions of higher learning, the Board shall establish and
23 administer a competitive grant program for institutions of
24 higher learning that award degrees in nursing. The grants may
25 be awarded on the basis of performance criteria that shall
26 include, but not be limited to, degree production, student
27 retention, and passage rates on professional licensure
28 examinations.
29     The Board shall adopt those rules that are necessary for
30 the implementation and administration of the grants
31 established under this Section.
 

 

 

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1     (110 ILCS 205/9.32 new)
2     Sec. 9.32. Nurse educator fellowship program. In order to
3 ensure the retention of well-qualified nursing faculty, the
4 Board shall establish and administer a nurse educator
5 fellowship program that supplements nursing faculty salaries
6 at institutions of higher learning that award degrees in
7 nursing. Fellowships awarded under the program may be awarded
8 on a competitive basis.
9     The Board shall adopt those rules that are necessary for
10 the implementation and administration of the fellowship
11 program established under this Section.
 
12     Section 90-10. The Nursing Education Scholarship Law is
13 amended by changing Section 5 as follows:
 
14     (110 ILCS 975/5)  (from Ch. 144, par. 2755)
15     Sec. 5. Nursing education scholarships. Beginning with the
16 fall term of the 2004-2005 academic year, the Department, in
17 accordance with rules and regulations promulgated by it for
18 this program, shall provide scholarships to individuals
19 selected from among those applicants who qualify for
20 consideration by showing:
21         (1) that he or she has been a resident of this State
22     for at least one year prior to application, and is a
23     citizen or a lawful permanent resident alien of the United
24     States;
25         (2) that he or she is enrolled in or accepted for
26     admission to an associate degree in nursing program,
27     hospital-based diploma in nursing program, baccalaureate
28     degree in nursing program, graduate degree in nursing
29     program, or practical nursing program at an approved
30     institution; and
31         (3) that he or she agrees to meet the nursing

 

 

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1     employment obligation.
2     If in any year the number of qualified applicants exceeds
3 the number of scholarships to be awarded, the Department shall,
4 in consultation with the Center for Nursing Advisory Board,
5 consider the following factors in granting give priority in
6 awarding scholarships:
7             (A) Financial To students in the greatest
8         financial need, as shown on a standardized financial
9         needs assessment form used by an approved institution,
10         of students who will pursue their education on a
11         full-time or close closest to full-time basis and who
12         already have a certificate in practical nursing, a
13         diploma in nursing, or an associate degree in nursing
14         and are pursuing a higher degree.
15             (B) A student's status as a To registered nurse who
16         is nurses pursuing a graduate degree in nursing to
17         pursue employment in an approved institution that
18         educates licensed practical nurses and that educates
19         registered nurses in undergraduate and graduate
20         nursing programs.
21             (C) A student's merit, as shown through his or her
22         grade point average, class rank, and other academic and
23         extracurricular activities. The Department may add to
24         and further define these merit criteria by rule.
25     Unless otherwise indicated, scholarships shall be awarded
26 to recipients at approved institutions for a period of up to 2
27 years if the recipient is enrolled in an associate degree in
28 nursing program, up to 3 years if the recipient is enrolled in
29 a hospital-based diploma in nursing program, up to 4 years if
30 the recipient is enrolled in a baccalaureate degree in nursing
31 program, up to 5 years if the recipient is enrolled in a
32 graduate degree in nursing program, and up to one year if the
33 recipient is enrolled in a certificate in practical nursing
34 program. At least 40% of the scholarships awarded shall be for

 

 

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1 recipients who are pursuing baccalaureate degrees in nursing,
2 30% of the scholarships awarded shall be for recipients who are
3 pursuing associate degrees in nursing or a diploma in nursing,
4 10% of the scholarships awarded shall be for recipients who are
5 pursuing a certificate in practical nursing, and 20% of the
6 scholarships awarded shall be for recipients who are pursuing a
7 graduate degree in nursing.
8 (Source: P.A. 92-43, eff. 1-1-02; 93-879, eff. 1-1-05.)
 
9     Section 90-15. The Nursing and Advanced Practice Nursing
10 Act is amended by changing Section 10-10 and by adding Title 17
11 as follows:
 
12     (225 ILCS 65/10-10)
13     (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2008)
14     Sec. 10-10. Department powers and duties.
15     (a) The Department shall exercise the powers and duties
16 prescribed by the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois for
17 administration of licensing acts and shall exercise other
18 powers and duties necessary for effectuating the purpose of
19 this Act. None of the functions, powers, or duties of the
20 Department with respect to licensure and examination shall be
21 exercised by the Department except upon review by the Board.
22 The Department shall adopt rules to implement, interpret, or
23 make specific the provisions and purposes of this Act; however
24 no such rules shall be adopted by the Department except upon
25 review by the Board.
26     (b) The Department shall:
27         (1) prepare and maintain a list of approved programs of
28     professional nursing education and programs of practical
29     nursing education in this State, whose graduates, if they
30     have the other necessary qualifications provided in this
31     Act, shall be eligible to apply for a license to practice
32     nursing in this State;

 

 

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1         (2) promulgate rules defining what constitutes an
2     approved program of professional nursing education and
3     what constitutes an approved program of practical nursing
4     education; and
5         (3) adopt rules for examination of candidates for
6     licenses and for issuance of licenses authorizing
7     candidates upon passing an examination to practice under
8     this Act.
9     (c) The Department may act upon the recommendations of the
10 Center for Nursing Advisory Board.
11 (Source: P.A. 90-742, eff. 8-13-98.)
 
12     (225 ILCS 65/Tit. 17 heading new)
13     (Title heading scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2008)
14
TITLE 17. ILLINOIS CENTER FOR NURSING

 
15     (225 ILCS 65/17-5 new)
16     (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2008)
17     Sec. 17-5. Definitions. In this Title:
18     "Board" means the Center for Nursing Advisory Board.
19     "Center" means the Illinois Center for Nursing.
 
20     (225 ILCS 65/17-10 new)
21     (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2008)
22     Sec. 17-10. Illinois Center for Nursing. There is created
23 the Illinois Center for Nursing to address issues of supply and
24 demand in the nursing profession, including issues of
25 recruitment, retention, and utilization of nurse manpower
26 resources. The General Assembly finds that the Center will
27 enhance the delivery of quality health care services by
28 providing an ongoing strategy for the allocation of the State's
29 resources directed towards nursing. Each of the following
30 objectives shall serve as the primary goals for the Center:
31         (1) To develop a strategic plan for nursing manpower in

 

 

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1     Illinois by selecting priorities that must be addressed.
2         (2) To convene various groups of representatives of
3     nurses, other healthcare providers, businesses and
4     industries, consumers, legislators, and educators to:
5             (A) review and comment on data analysis prepared
6         for the Center;
7             (B) recommend systemic changes, including
8         strategies for implementation of recommended changes;
9         and
10             (C) evaluate and report the results of the Board's
11         efforts to the General Assembly and others.
12         (3) To enhance and promote recognition, reward, and
13     renewal activities for nurses in Illinois by:
14             (A) proposing and creating reward, recognition,
15         and renewal activities for nursing; and
16             (B) promoting media and positive image-building
17         efforts for nursing.
 
18     (225 ILCS 65/17-15 new)
19     (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2008)
20     Sec. 17-15. Center for Nursing Advisory Board.
21     (a) There is created the Center for Nursing Advisory Board,
22 which shall consist of 11 members appointed by the Governor,
23 with 6 members of the Board being nurses representative of
24 various nursing specialty areas. The other 5 members may
25 include representatives of associations, health care
26 providers, nursing educators, and consumers. The Board shall be
27 chaired by the Nursing Act Coordinator, who shall be a voting
28 member of the Board.
29     (b) The membership of the Board shall reasonably reflect
30 representation from the geographic areas in this State.
31     (c) Members of the Board appointed by the Governor shall
32 serve for terms of 4 years, with no member serving more than 10
33 successive years, except that, initially, 4 members shall be

 

 

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1 appointed to the Board for terms that expire on June 30, 2009,
2 4 members shall be appointed to the Board for terms that expire
3 on June 30, 2008, and 3 members shall be appointed to the Board
4 for terms that expire on June 30, 2007. A member shall serve
5 until his or her successor is appointed and has qualified.
6 Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as original
7 appointments, and any member so appointed shall serve during
8 the remainder of the term for which the vacancy occurred.
9     (d) A quorum of the Board shall consist of a majority of
10 Board members currently serving. A majority vote of the quorum
11 is required for Board decisions. A vacancy in the membership of
12 the Board shall not impair the right of a quorum to exercise
13 all of the rights and perform all of the duties of the Board.
14     (e) The Governor may remove any appointed member of the
15 Board for misconduct, incapacity, or neglect of duty and shall
16 be the sole judge of the sufficiency of the cause for removal.
17     (f) Members of the Board are immune from suit in any action
18 based upon any activities performed in good faith as members of
19 the Board.
20     (e) Members of the Board shall not receive compensation,
21 but shall be reimbursed for actual traveling, incidentals, and
22 expenses necessarily incurred in carrying out their duties as
23 members of the Board, as approved by the Department.
 
24     (225 ILCS 65/17-20 new)
25     (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2008)
26     Sec. 17-20. Powers and duties of the Board.
27     (a) The Board shall be advisory to the Department and shall
28 possess and perform each of the following powers and duties:
29         (1) determine operational policy;
30         (2) administer grants, scholarships, internships, and
31     other programs, as defined by rule, including the
32     administration of programs, as determined by law, that
33     further those goals set forth in Section 17-10 of this

 

 

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1     Title, in consultation with other State agencies, as
2     provided by law;
3         (3) establish committees of the Board as needed;
4         (4) recommend the adoption and, from time to time, the
5     revision of those rules that may be adopted and necessary
6     to carry out the provisions of this Act;
7         (5) implement the major functions of the Center, as
8     established in the goals set forth in Section 17-10 of this
9     Title; and
10         (6) seek and accept non-State funds for carrying out
11     the policy of the Center.
12     (b) The Center shall work in consultation with other State
13 agencies as necessary.
 
14
ARTICLE 99. EFFECTIVE DATE.

 
15     Section 99-99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon
16 becoming law.".