MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2020 Regular Session

To: Public Health and Welfare

By: Senator(s) DeBar

Senate Bill 2489

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 73-15-11, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REMOVE THE REQUIREMENT THAT WRITTEN NOTICE OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF NURSING BE PROVIDED AT LEAST 10 DAYS BEFORE THE MEETING IS HELD; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

     BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

     SECTION 1.  Section 73-15-11, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

     73-15-11.  (1)  The members of the Mississippi Board of Nursing shall meet annually and organize for the ensuing year by election of one (1) of its members as president, one (1) as secretary, and one (1) as treasurer.  The physician member and the representative of consumers of health services may discuss and nominate but shall not vote for officers nor hold office in such elections. 

     (2)  The board shall meet at least once every four (4) months for the purpose of transacting such business as may come before the board.  Any member who shall not attend two (2) consecutive meetings of the board shall be subject to removal by the Governor.  The president of the board shall notify the Governor in writing when any such member has failed to attend two (2) consecutive regular meetings.

     (3)  Special meetings of the board may be held on call of the president or upon call of any seven (7) members.  A * * * written notice of time, place and purpose of any special meeting shall be * * * mailed provided by the executive director to all members of the board * * * not less than ten (10) days before the meeting is held.

     (4)  On all matters the board shall function as a board of thirteen (13) members, and seven (7) members, including at least three (3) registered nurses and two (2) practical nurses, shall constitute a quorum.  In any case, the affirmative vote of a majority of the members present and participating shall be necessary to take action.  In all cases pertaining to practical nursing, such majority must include the affirmative vote of at least one (1) of the practical nurse members of the board.

     (5)  The board shall hold not less than two (2) examinations each year for registered nurses and not less than two (2) each year for licensed practical nurses, at such times and places as the board may determine.

     (6)  Each member of the board shall receive a per diem compensation as provided in Section 25-3-69 for attendance at board meetings, together with necessary travel and other expenses incurred in the discharge of his or her duties as a board member.

     SECTION 2.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2020.