THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2634
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to health care education.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the university of Hawaii Maui college has a new hybrid program designed especially for working certified nurse aides and other health care professionals who want to become licensed practical nurses. The certified nurse aide to practical nurse bridge program partners with Hale Makua, ‘Ohana Pacific Health, and Kaiser Permanente Hawaii and provides eligible Maui and Oahu health care professionals with the opportunity to become licensed practical nurses while they are working. Graduates from the program are prepared to work under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician in hospitals, extended care facilities, private nursing agencies, home health agencies, clinics, and physician offices.

The legislature also finds that the university of Hawaii Maui college is hoping to expand the program statewide. Additional funding is needed for instructional costs to provide clinical and laboratory courses to accommodate a threefold expansion of licensed practical nursing students statewide, increasing the pool from ten students to thirty students annually. Student aid funding is also needed to support a minimum of twenty students in completing prerequisite courses that will enable the students to apply to the certified nurse aide to practical nurse bridge program, and cover all tuition, fees, supplies, and related costs while the students participate in the program.

Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds for the expansion of the certified nurse aide to practical nurse bridge program at the university of Hawaii Maui college, including funding for instructional costs and student aid.

SECTION 2. In accordance with section 9 of article VII of the Hawaii State Constitution and sections 37-91 and 37-93, Hawaii Revised Statutes, the legislature has determined that the appropriations contained in Act 164, Regular Session of 2023, and this Act will cause the state general fund expenditure ceiling for fiscal year 2024-2025 to be exceeded by $           or       per cent. This current declaration takes into account general fund appropriations authorized for fiscal year 2024-2025 in Act 164, Regular Session of 2023, and this Act only. The reasons for exceeding the general fund expenditure ceiling are that:

(1) The appropriation made in this Act is necessary to serve the public interest; and

(2) The appropriation made in this Act meets the needs addressed by this Act.

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2024-2025 for instructional costs, including the cost of casual employees and overload pay, for the certified nurse aide to practical nurse bridge program at the university of Hawaii Maui college.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the university of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $          or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2024-2025 to provide student aid to participants in the certified nurse aide to practical nurse bridge program at the university of Hawaii Maui college, including tuition, fees, supplies, and related costs.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the university of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2024.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

University of Hawaii Maui College; Certified Nurse Aides; Licensed Practical Nurses; Certified Nurse Aide to Practical Nurse Bridge Program; Expenditure Ceiling; Appropriation

Description:

Makes appropriations for the expansion of the certified nurse aide to practical nurse bridge program at the University of Hawaii Maui College, including funding for instructional costs and student aid.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.