Nursing: students in out-of-state nursing programs.

Assembly Member Flora's proposal to expand clinical training opportunities for California nursing students enrolled in out-of-state distance education programs establishes new pathways for gaining hands-on experience while maintaining protections for in-state programs. The legislation permits California residents in accredited out-of-state online nursing programs to complete clinical rotations within the state, provided their programs meet specific quality and supervision requirements.

The bill outlines several conditions for program eligibility: accreditation by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized entity, maintenance of required faculty-to-student ratios, and in-person supervision by California-licensed registered nurses. Programs must pay a one-time $100 fee per student participating in California clinical placements. The legislation prohibits programs from making payments to clinical facilities in exchange for placement spots.

To preserve access for California-based nursing students, the bill prevents clinical facilities from offering placements to out-of-state programs when those spots are needed by students in Board of Registered Nursing-approved in-state programs. This provision maintains the existing clinical training infrastructure while creating additional opportunities through previously unavailable channels. The measure adds to current law that already permits clinical training for students in board-approved programs and licensed nurses pursuing continuing education.