Sec. 20.2. (a) As used in this section, “clinical experience” means the learning experiences provided in facilities appropriate to the curriculum objectives.

     (b) As used in this section, “clinical hours” refers to the number of hours of clinical experience a nursing student is required to complete.

     (c) As used in this section, “NCLEX” refers to the National Council Licensure Examination that is:

(1) provided by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing; and

(2) used to determine the competency of graduates of nursing school.

     (d) As used in this section, “nursing program” means one (1) of the following:

(1) A licensed practical nursing program.

(2) An associate degree nursing program.

(3) A diploma nursing program.

(4) A baccalaureate degree nursing program.

     (e) As used in this section, “simulation hours” refers to the hours spent by a nursing student participating in an educational process:

(1) that replicates real world clinical scenarios in a simulation lab; and

(2) in which a nursing student develops and practices the nursing student’s nursing skills.

     (f) A nursing program may allow substitution of simulation hours for clinical hours in the following manner:

(1) Simulation for not more than fifty percent (50%) of clinical hours if a nursing program has an overall pass rate of at least eighty percent (80%) on the NCLEX.

(2) Simulation for not more than twenty-five percent (25%) of clinical hours if a nursing program has an overall pass rate of less than eighty percent (80%) on the NCLEX.

     (g) The board may adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 to implement this section. Nothing in this section prohibits a nursing program from substituting simulation hours for clinical hours in accordance with this section before the board adopts rules under this section.

As added by P.L.69-2022, SEC.8.