Kentucky lawmaker backs bill to fight nursing shortage

FRANKFORT, Ky. (LEX 18) – Lawmakers are taking action against Kentucky’s nursing shortage with House Bill 200.

“Simply put, this bill kickstarts career paths for all Kentuckians interested in health care careers,” Reps. Ken Fleming said.

Backed by Fleming and several organizations, HB 200 will allocate at least 65% of its funding for partners to establish scholarships for health care education.

The majority of what’s leftover will go towards helping universities increase their faculty.

However, the legislation goes beyond nursing.

“We are going to include mental health professionals, paramedics, EMTs, nursing aides, physical therapists, dental hygienists and many more.”

A 2022 survey by the Kentucky Nurses Association reported 75% of nurses with high experience were considering leaving the profession.

Jennifer Weismann with the KNA hopes HB 200 will increase enrollment in nursing schools across the state and encourage others to join and stay on the front lines.

“It is imperative as a profession that our pipeline of up-and-coming nurses is strong. To create a strong pipeline, our nursing schools must be adequately staffed,” Weismann said.