BSN in 10 Law

BSN in 10 Law

Chapter 502 of the Laws of 2017
A. 1842B Morelle/S.6768 Flanagan
Amending NYS Education Law §6905 FAQ's

“The legislature hereby finds and declares that with the increasing complexity of the American healthcare system and rapidly expanding technology, the educational preparation of the registered professional nurse must be expanded.  The nurse of the future must be prepared to partner with multiple disciplines as a collaborator and manager of the complex patient care journey.”

1. What does the BSN in 10 law do and why do we need it?
   The BSN in 10 law will require future nurses who graduate from a New York State Associate Degree program to obtain a Baccalaureate of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN) within ten years of becoming a nurse.  The law is grounded in evidence demonstrating better outcomes when patients receive care from Baccalaureate-prepared nurses. The originally published study dates back to 2003 and has been replicated many times. Changes in healthcare require new skills for nurses.
   
   • Registered Nurses must now manage care across the continuum, not only in one setting; lead interdisciplinary teams in all settings to achieve excellent outcomes for patients; care for more seriously ill hospitalized patients; learn to manage highly technical environments; and deal with complex family/care needs of patients in hospitals and in the community.
   • Better patient outcomes that improve and preserve the health of the patients help lower healthcare costs.
   • Nurses with Bachelor’s Degrees are able to pursue advanced education. Nurses with advanced degrees fill roles as nursing faculty, advanced practice nurses and nurse administrators, all areas of shortage that are needed to meet the nursing workforce development needs of the future and advance the profession.

2. When does the BSN in 10 law take effect?
   The BSN in 10 law took effect December 18, 2017 when it was signed into law by Governor Cuomo.
   

3. Who does the BSN in 10 law affect?
   The new law affects anyone who starts a New York State Associate Degree (AD) program to become a Registered Professional Nurse (pre-licensure program) after the bill became law.
   

4. Are there different requirements in the law based on a nurse’s geographic location within NYS?
   No, the law will affect all New York State nurses. The same standard of nurse education will be required for future nurses caring for patients no matter where they live or receive care.

5. Must I obtain my Bachelor’s Degree to practice?
   You will be able to practice after licensure upon graduating from a NYS Associate Degree (AD) program. Your license is valid for 3 years and -- as is current practice – you will be required to reregister every 3 years thereafter.
   

6. What happens if I can’t complete my BSN in Nursing within the law’s 10-year requirement?
   If you fail to complete the program in the specified time allotted in the law, you may receive a one-year extension that may be extended for one additional year to allow you to complete the requirement as will be defined by regulation.