STATEHOUSE (Aug. 29, 2025) – Gov. Mike Braun recently ceremonially signed into law a bill co-sponsored by State Rep. Bob Behning (R-Indianapolis) to help ensure Indiana's nursing workforce can meet the growing health care needs of Hoosiers.
According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, enrollment in baccalaureate nursing programs declined in 2022 after 20 years of growth. With Indiana projected to face a shortage of more than 73,000 licensed practical nurses by 2037, Senate Enrolled Act 176 allows high school students to enroll in state-accredited nursing programs. Behning said this step will help students save money on college-level courses that will count toward a future degree, gain experience in a professional environment sooner and create more opportunities for advanced education, including training to become a registered nurse.
"Nurses are an integral part of quality health care and we need to ensure we have enough of them to meet demand across the state," said Behning, who's a member of the House Public Health Committee. "Making it easier for students to access nursing programs earlier is one way we can encourage more Hoosiers to consider it as a career."
Several Ivy Tech campuses across the state offer programs to earn an associate of science in nursing degree or enroll in a transition to ASN program. Others have a practical nursing technical certificate program. Visit IvyTech.edu for more information.
Behning said the law also adds two members to the State Board of Nursing, expanding representation and updating member qualifications to ensure the board can address evolving challenges in health care.
SEA 176 received bipartisan support in both chambers during the 2025 legislative session. To learn more, click here.
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State Rep. Bob Behning (R-Indianapolis) represents House District 91,
which includes a portion of Marion County.
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