THE RAATZ ROUNDUP
Submitted for use on Oct. 1, 2025
Word Count: 320
By State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond)
When Hoosiers must go to the hospital, they want to be sure they are receiving the best and most attentive medical care possible. While doctors play an incredibly important role in caring for a patient, nurses are the ones who interact with patients the most. Nurses provide essential care for patients, including monitoring vital signs, administering medications and much more.
In recent years, however, the demand for licensed practical nurses has exceeded the supply. The Bowen Center for Health Workforce Research and Policy found in 2024 that the gap between the demand of LPNs and the supply LPNs was 3,790. This gap is only expected to grow in the coming years, with Bowen anticipating a gap of 7,320 by 2030.
In order to address the growing shortage of nurses, I co-authored Senate Enrolled Act 176. This law allows high school students who have not graduated yet to take part in LPN education programs. Previously, students interested in being a LPN had to have a high school diploma before they could join a LPN program.
This speeds up the process of becoming a LPN by allowing students to start getting the practical experience they need while still in high school, so when they graduate, they can more quickly prepare for a career in nursing.
This law is part of my broader effort to better prepare students for the workforce after graduation. This law, along with laws like House Enrolled Act 1002 (2023), give our students more opportunities outside of the classroom to pursue the careers they want to have.
This law will not only allow us to help address the nursing shortage in Indiana, but it will also allow our students to get ahead and chase their dreams sooner.
Constituents can reach out to me with any questions or concerns they may have by filling out a "Contact Me" form on the IndianaSenateRepublicans.com/Raatz website or by calling my office at 800-382-9467.
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State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) represents Senate District 27, which includes
Henry, Union and Wayne counties, and portions of Franklin County.
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