The Kansas Board of Nursing convened a special meeting on January 1, 2025, to discuss proposed changes to advanced practice education regulations. This meeting followed a public hearing held on December 17, where feedback on the regulations was collected. Most comments received were supportive, although some opposition was noted, particularly regarding the increase in required clinical hours from 500 to 750 and the definition of preceptor roles.

During the meeting, board members reviewed the feedback and discussed the implications of the proposed changes. The adjustment to clinical hours raised concerns that it could hinder the licensing of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) in Kansas and complicate current educational programs due to the need for additional faculty.

The board emphasized that the proposed regulations had been available for public review since early October, allowing ample time for stakeholders to provide input. Members were reminded that they could approve the regulations individually or choose to take no action, which would leave existing regulations in place.

Discussion among board members highlighted the importance of adhering to the requirements set by accrediting bodies, particularly the U.S. Department of Education, which necessitated these updates for continued program approval. Some members expressed readiness to vote on the proposed changes, while others sought clarity on whether to review each regulation individually.

The meeting underscored the board's commitment to ensuring that nursing education standards align with both state and federal requirements, while also addressing the concerns raised by the nursing community regarding the proposed changes. The board is expected to finalize its decisions on the regulations in the coming weeks, which will have significant implications for nursing education and practice in Kansas.