Applicants who want to become licensed practical nurses in Georgia could soon be required to submit to the same background checks used for registered nurses.
The state House of Representatives on Thursday approved House Bill 99, which requires a state and federal check of all LPN applicants. The licensing board that oversees LPNs requested the change, which also is supported by the Secretary of State’s Office.
The bill's sponsor, Rep. Valerie Clark, R-Lawrenceville, said the board hopes to control the 5 percent to 10 percent of LPNs its research shows are responsible for thefts from patients and hospitals and other problems.
“The majority of people who deal with patients are wonderful, wonderful people,” Clark said. “This is just to ensure that profession keeps its high standards.”
The measure, which was approved 156-9, now heads to the state Senate.
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