Plain English Summary
This bill doubles most licensing fees charged by the North Carolina Board of Nursing for registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and related services. The fee increases will take effect October 1, 2025, and apply to new applications, renewals, and reinstatements, with a cap preventing year-to-year increases of more than 20%.
Arguments in Favor
Supporters argue that nursing license fees have not been updated in many years and no longer cover the Board's operational costs, forcing it to rely on outdated revenue. The fee increases would ensure the Board can fully fund its licensing, examination, and disciplinary functions without state taxpayer support, while the 20% annual cap prevents sudden, excessive increases.
Arguments Against
Opponents contend that doubling fees places financial burden on nurses already facing rising education and credentialing costs, potentially making entry into the profession more expensive. Critics argue the increases may disproportionately impact lower-income nurses and could discourage licensure renewals or reinstatements, affecting healthcare workforce availability.
AI-generated analysis based on bill text. Always verify with official sources at ncleg.gov. This is not legal or political advice.
Sponsors
Primary Sponsor
Representative · District 43
Primary Sponsor
Representative · District 106
Primary Sponsor
Representative · District 26
Cosponsors (7)
Representative · District 99
Representative · District 23
Representative · District 72
Representative · District 61
Representative · District 88
Representative · District 32
Representative · District 101