Ga. Senate approves new rules for nurse discipline

ATLANTA (AP) -- The Georgia Senate has approved a proposal that would require nurses to report alleged professional violations by their colleagues.

Senate Bill 13 also requires nursing agencies and health care entities that employ nurses to report to the state anytime a nurse is fired or resigns for disciplinary reasons.

The rules are intended to strengthen enforcement of nursing standards by the state's two primary nursing boards. They are the Georgia Board of Nursing and the Georgia Board of Examiners of Licensed Practical Nurses.

The bill passed without opposition. It now moves to the House.

With 10 legislative days remaining in the session, today is crossover day at the Capitol. That means any bill that does not pass its original chamber by the close of business is dead for the year.