AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 16 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO GRANTS FOR NURSE PRECEPTORS.

New grants for Delaware nursing training programs

The law creates a nursing training support program, effective six months after enactment. Hospitals and clinical facilities can apply for money, materials, and technical help to start or continue supervised clinical training. Eligible settings include acute care, long-term care, public health, outpatient care, home care, and hospice. Programs serve people licensed or seeking licensure as registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, or advanced practice registered nurses. The General Assembly sets funding each year; the law specifies no dollar amount, and participation depends on available funding. Most funds must go to participating facilities, with a reasonable share allowed for administration and overhead. Facilities must guarantee a consistent training supervisor, called a preceptor, and structured training plans. Qualifying training is unpaid and faculty-directed, within an in-state pre-licensure program approved by the Board of Nursing. Each semester requires at least 80 clinical hours for nursing degree candidates or 100 hours for advanced practice nursing candidates. Preceptors must be registered nurses with at least a bachelor's degree in nursing, advanced practice registered nurses, physician assistants or associates, or physicians. They must have valid licenses without restrictions, practice in a comparable focus, and show skills in the relevant area. The Delaware Nurses Workforce Institute administers the program, or the state health department selects a nonprofit with a similar mission and capacity. The administrator sets and updates participation rules. Funded programs must complete annual surveys on use, nursing placements, and outcomes. The administrator must report annually on facility funding, administrative or overhead spending, and survey results. Reports go to the Senate President Pro Tempore, House Speaker, legislative services director, health department secretary, and Board of Nursing executive director.