IllinoisHB1807104th General Assembly (2025–2026)HouseWALLET

DFPR-NURSING EDUCATION PROGRAM

Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable

Signed by Governor

Summary

Amends the Nurse Practice Act. Makes changes to the requirements for a registered professional nursing education program in provisions concerning the establishment of a new program, program policies, faculty members, training and development, the program's curriculum, the program's use of simulation, the accreditation process, approval by the Board of Nursing, and the program closure process. Makes a conforming change. Provides that the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation may, without hearing, rescind the license of any person who obtain a license after completing a program or obtaining credit from a program that does not meet the requirements of the provisions regarding registered professional nursing education programs. In provisions concerning nursing licensure by examination, removes the provision regarding the good standing period for professional nursing programs on probationary status.

health care licensesassignmentslicensed activities

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.

Nursing graduates need prep before retesting

Beginning September 1, 2026, Illinois nursing graduates who finished on or after January 1, 2024, must complete preparation before retaking the licensing exam if they waited more than 180 days after graduation to take it or failed it twice. They can take a prep class or contact their school before retesting for remedial help at no cost.

Nursing programs face new quality rules

Beginning September 1, 2026, Illinois nursing programs must meet new approval, staffing, accreditation, and reporting standards. They must provide qualified faculty, direct-care training, and support for students facing academic or financial challenges. Simulation cannot replace more than 25% of a course’s clinical hours unless the Board approves an exception. Faculty waivers are capped at 20% of a program’s faculty. These provisions are scheduled to end January 1, 2028.

Stricter state checks on nursing programs

The state may make unannounced visits when it has evidence a nursing program may not follow the law. Evidence can include more than 3 administrator changes in 5 years, unexplained faculty cuts, a pattern of NCLEX pass rates below 75%, or lost accreditation. Programs with 2026 pass rates below 75% must receive a written warning, though the state may delay it by one year at a public university where at least 55% of students received Pell Grants. Probation cannot begin until 2026 results can be measured, and certain programs lose temporary protections beginning September 1, 2026. These provisions are scheduled to end January 1, 2028.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

There is no primary sponsor on record.

Cosponsors

  • Chris Balkema

    Republican • Senate

  • Craig Wilcox

    Republican • Senate

  • David Koehler

    Democratic • Senate

  • Javier L. Cervantes

    Democratic • Senate

  • Joyce Mason

    Democratic • House

  • Maura Hirschauer

    Democratic • House

  • Sharon Chung

    Democratic • House

  • Yolonda Morris

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 333 • No: 5

House vote • 5/27/2026

Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 House Concurs

Yes: 111 • No: 0

House vote • 5/20/2026

Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Motion to Concur Recommends Be Adopted Health Care Licenses Committee;

Yes: 13 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/19/2026

Third Reading - Passed;

Yes: 57 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Senate vote • 5/6/2026

Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Recommend Do Adopt Licensed Activities;

Yes: 9 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/21/2025

Do Pass Licensed Activities;

Yes: 5 • No: 0

House vote • 4/10/2025

Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed

Yes: 113 • No: 0

House vote • 4/9/2025

House Floor Amendment No. 1 Recommends Be Adopted Health Care Licenses Committee;

Yes: 15 • No: 0

House vote • 3/20/2025

Do Pass / Short Debate Health Care Licenses Committee;

Yes: 10 • No: 5

Bill Text

  • Engrossed

  • Enrolled

  • House Amendment 1

  • Introduced

  • Senate Amendment 1

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