Subcommittee Hears OSBN Budget Request, Board Seeks Fee Increases to Cover Rising Costs

The Joint Human Services and Ways and Means Subcommittee held a public hearing Feb. 25 on House Bill 5023, the governor's recommended budget for the Oregon State Board of Nursing, which would add two investigators, increase limitation for testing and other pass-through expenses, and raise licensure fees.

The Oregon State Board of Nursing told the committee the agency is seeing record license growth and heavier investigative caseloads, prompting requests for new positions and an adjustment to licensing fees that have not changed since 2009.

DAS financial analyst Hari Velopondian presented the governor's recommendation, saying the package adds two investigators and increases limitation for testing contracts and payments to the Oregon Nursing Advancement Fund. Velopondian said the budget would also support a planned fee increase in the 2025–27 biennium. "The governor's budget for the Oregon Board of Nursing supports the current service level and addresses emerging issues by adding a pair of investigators and increasing limitation for those pass through expenses," Velopondian said.

Rachel Prusak, executive director of the Oregon State Board of Nursing, told the committee the board updated its mission in 2024 to include "nurse wellness as public protection" and described three strategic…