Senator Pearl proposes amendment to streamline LNA licensure amid staffing concerns

A critical discussion on nursing licensure reform took center stage during the New Hampshire Senate Executive Departments and Administration meeting on February 12, 2025. The focus was on addressing a licensing issue for Licensed Nursing Assistants (LNAs) that could impact numerous students and healthcare facilities across the state.

Executive Director of the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC), Deanna Juris, presented an urgent amendment to Senate Bill 93 aimed at clarifying the licensure pathway for nursing students. The amendment seeks to allow students who have completed their fundamentals of nursing course to sit for the LNA exam, enabling them to work while they continue their education. This long-standing practice had come under scrutiny due to a lack of explicit statutory authority, putting many applicants at risk of being denied licensure despite having job offers.

Juris emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "I currently have applicants in the queue that I would have to deny presently because they don’t meet the qualifications. Some of those people have job offers. Hospitals are counting on them coming in for shifts." The proposed amendment would create a clearer pathway for these students, allowing them to submit documentation of their completed coursework as a basis for licensure.

The committee engaged in a thorough discussion, with questions raised about the licensure process and the implications for students and healthcare providers. Juris clarified that the only requirements would be the completion of the fundamentals course or a board-approved nursing assistant education program, followed by passing the LNA exam.

This amendment is seen as a necessary step to ensure that nursing students can transition smoothly into the workforce, particularly as healthcare facilities face staffing challenges. The committee's support for the amendment could lead to a swift resolution, allowing students to begin their careers without unnecessary delays. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, this legislative action could significantly impact the availability of qualified nursing staff in New Hampshire.