Florida lawmakers target nursing schools as state faces 60,000 nurse shortage

Bill would add oversight to programs with low licensing exam pass rates

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV/Gray Florida Capital Bureau) — Florida will need about 60,000 new nurses over the next decade to meet growing demand, and state lawmakers are now focusing on nursing schools that are failing to properly prepare graduates.

Roughly 85% of students graduating from Florida nursing programs pass their licensing exams on the first attempt, a figure lawmakers say needs improvement.

“That’s just not acceptable,” said Rep. Toby Overdorf, R-Palm City.

The Florida Hospital Association projects a shortage of nearly 60,000 nurses in the coming decade. Lawmakers believe stronger oversight of nursing programs can help ensure graduates are ready to enter the workforce.

National data shows Florida ranks last in first-time nursing licensing exam pass rates, with the national average exceeding 88%.

“We need to be getting educated nurses. We need to be getting them through the process, and this bill addresses that,” Overdorf said.

Overdorf’s proposal is expected to be ready for a House vote when the legislative session begins next week. The bill increases oversight of nursing programs across the state.

Under the measure, programs would be subject to health department inspections, shorter probation periods, increased accountability for program directors, and required tuition refunds if 30% of students fail their licensing exams.

“We have students who go through these programs, take on significant debt, and end up without jobs because the school didn’t prepare them to pass the final test,” Overdorf said.

The Florida Nurses Association supports the bill, saying it will help ensure more nurses are prepared to care for Florida’s growing and aging population.

“A nursing school is like graduating from law school and failing the Florida Bar. You cannot practice. You cannot succeed,” said Jack Cory of the Florida Nurses Association.

The Florida Association of Independent Nursing Schools argues lawmakers have already taken steps to address the shortage through the Live Healthy Act, a broad health care workforce package.

“I think it was a good step when the legislature passed it two years ago. It has made schools entering this space much better prepared from the start,” said Bob Harris of the Florida Association of Independent Nursing Schools.

A similar bill was vetoed by the governor last year, but Overdorf said the revised version addresses concerns raised previously.

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