| 07 October 2008
Here is the letter that Sen Chance and Rep Ramsey sent to Sonny Perdue regarding the issue with HB1041.September 25, 2008
The Honorable Sonny Perdue 203 State Capitol Atlanta, Georgia 30334
Dear Governor Perdue:
We have recently been contacted by one of our constituents that run a company that provides tutoring services to nursing students, many of which are currently enrolled in the Excelsior College School of Nursing. From his information and additional research, it seems the Georgia Board of Nursing has ruled Excelsior College nursing graduates are no longer eligible for licensure in Georgia specific to the Board’s interpretation of HB 1041 passed during the 2008 legislative session.
It is our understanding that the primary intent of HB 1041 was to provide for criminal background checks for newly licensed RNs in our state---a measure we fully support. There appears to be differences of opinion regarding the Board’s interpretation of additional HB 1041 language, resulting in new licensure requirements which exclude Excelsior College graduates. We are unclear why these nursing graduates have been allowed to be licensed for more than 33 years; but now are deemed ineligible. It would seem that had the program been deficient for three decades, the Board would have taken action much earlier to protect the public welfare. If the Board has documentation of poor performance of these graduates we would appreciate knowing this information.
This action by the Board could certainly worsen the nursing shortage situation with over 1,000 Georgia Excelsior College students who are no longer eligible upon graduation for licensure as RNs and an additional 2,000 students in the pipeline completing pre-admission courses. We agree with the Board that it is necessary for nursing programs to meet criteria that are “similar to and not less stringent than” those approved programs in the state. However, Excelsior College maintains high standards as evidenced by their national accreditation and recognition for excellence. Many hospitals in Georgia are financially supporting employees to attend the Excelsior College School of Nursing program.
We request that the Board of Nursing be asked to strongly consider their decision in light of the nursing shortage and the fact that Excelsior students have been providing quality nursing services for more than 33 years. There must be some means by which these students and others to follow can continue to contribute to quality patient care for Georgia citizens.
Regards,
Sen. Ronnie Chance Rep. Matt Ramsey