Baccalaureate entry into practice: an example of political innovation and diffusion.

Activity within several states over the past two decades to require a baccalaureate nursing degree as the minimum educational preparation for licensure as a registered professional nurse is reviewed as an example of policy innovation and diffusion. Sufficient ratio of baccalaureate degree to associate degree programs and political party turnover in the governor's office have frequently accompanied private and public policy action on BS entry.