SB25 Alabama 2024 Session

Updated Feb 23, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: April WeaverSenator
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2024
Title: Board of Nursing, authorized by rule to clarify scope of practice of certified nursing support technicians, disciplinary actions clarified
Summary: SB25 would overhaul Alabama's Board of Nursing to clarify the scope of practice for certified nursing support technicians, add permit requirements, expand disciplinary tools, and restructure the board with updated oversight of licensure and related programs.
What This Bill Does
It authorizes the Board of Nursing to adopt rules that define the scope of practice for certified nursing support technicians and to issue permits to qualified applicants. It expands disciplinary options, allowing fines, license denial, revocation, suspension, probation, and mandatory evaluations, and creates a voluntary Disciplinary Alternative Program for impaired licensees with confidentiality protections. It also revises board composition to 13 members with specific nurse, advanced practice, practical nurse, and consumer seats, establishes procedures for appointments and removals, and adds provisions related to the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact, annual reporting, and an Oct. 1, 2024 effective date.

Who It Affects
Certified nursing support technicians (CNSTs) and CNST applicants who would be governed by new defined practice standards and board-issued permits.
Licensed nurses (RNs, LPNs, APNs) and healthcare facilities in Alabama who could face new disciplinary actions, participation in the Disciplinary Alternative Program, and changes in board governance and licensure processes.

Key Provisions
Authorizes the board, by rule, to clarify standards for the scope of practice for certified nursing support technicians and to issue permits to eligible applicants.
Expands disciplinary authority to include administrative fines (up to $1,000 per violation) and actions such as denial, revocation, suspension, probation, mandatory evaluation, or other discipline, with the possibility of enforcing these against licensees or multistate privileges.
Creates a Disciplinary Alternative Program to identify, treat, and rehabilitate impaired licensees, with confidentiality protections for participants and a framework for eligibility, completion, and expungement of records upon successful completion.
Redesigns the Board of Nursing to a 13-member body with specified categories (nurses, advanced practice nurses, licensed practical nurses, and a consumer) and detailed appointment and term rules to ensure diversity and representation, including processes involving nursing associations.
Allows the board to license or permit applicants for single-state or multistate licensure and to regulate student nurse apprenticeships and certified medication assistants, including issue of permits for those roles.
Authorizes the board to adopt rules, maintain licensure records, collect fees, set standards for nursing practice and continued competency, and join national nursing licensure examinations organizations.
Implements governance for participation in the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact, with Sunset Committee review and criteria for continued participation, and triggers for review tied to financial assessments or legal actions involving the compact.
Requires annual reporting, bonding for staff, per diem and travel allowances for board members, and sufficient staffing to carry out board duties.
Effective date set for October 1, 2024, with other operative provisions tied to the act’s provisions and implementation.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Occupational Licensing Boards