Song-Brown Registered Nurse Education Programs

The "2024-25 Registered Nurse (RN) Grant " provides a comprehensive outline for grant opportunities offered by the Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) under the Song-Brown Health Care Workforce Training Act. The grants support nursing education programs to address California's healthcare needs, especially in underserved areas. Here’s an overview of key details: Program Purpose and Objectives: The grant program aims to support nursing education to prepare registered nurses for practice in medically underserved areas. It emphasizes increasing diversity in the nursing workforce, addressing healthcare disparities, and expanding access to primary care services. The grants are intended for educational institutions that demonstrate success in training nurses who work in areas with high unmet needs. Funding and Award Categories: The program offers up to $2.725 million for various nursing pathways, including Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and Entry-Level Master's (ELM) programs. Awards are categorized into three main groups: Existing Pre-Licensure RN Programs: Grants up to $900,000 for maintaining existing slots, with a maximum of 30 slots available at $15,000 per filled slot annually over two years. Expansion Slots for Existing Programs: Grants up to $600,000 for adding new slots, with a maximum of 10 slots available at $30,000 per filled slot annually over two years. New RN Education Programs: Grants up to $1,000,000 for institutions establishing new RN programs, supporting costs associated with gaining Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) approval. Eligibility Requirements: Eligible programs must be approved by the BRN and accredited or affiliated with recognized educational institutions, such as California community colleges or universities. Programs seeking funding for new slots or expansion must demonstrate recent BRN approval for additional capacity. Institutions must enroll students by the specified grant term start dates. Application Process and Deadlines: The application period opens on October 24, 2024, with an early submission deadline of November 21, 2024, for initial review. Final applications are due by December 5, 2024. An informational webinar will be held on October 29, 2024, to assist applicants with the process. Award notifications are expected in February 2025, and the grant term runs from June 30, 2025, to August 30, 2027. Evaluation and Scoring Criteria: Applications are evaluated based on the program's commitment to serving Registered Nurse Shortage Areas (RNSAs), recruiting and supporting underrepresented minorities (URM), and integrating culturally responsive training. Scores are based on factors such as the percentage of graduates practicing in underserved areas, clinical training site locations, and strategies for recruitment and retention of URM students. The maximum score varies by category, with specific criteria outlined for both existing and new programs. Award Management and Compliance: Funded programs must adhere to budget restrictions, ensuring the grants are used to expand rather than replace existing services. Programs must report on expenditures and student enrollment and comply with accounting and audit requirements. Grant payments are contingent upon meeting reporting obligations and other conditions outlined in the grant agreement. Additional Terms and Conditions: The grant agreement includes clauses on budget adjustments, termination conditions, compliance with state non-discrimination laws, and dispute resolution. Programs must comply with California's Public Records Act and ensure transparency in the use of funds. This guide is crucial for institutions seeking to expand nursing education opportunities and address the state's workforce needs in healthcare.