(a) (1) The panel may fund licensed nurse training programs to train individuals who are currently working as nurse assistants or caregivers in a health facility, as defined in Section 1250 of the Health and Safety Code.

(2) It is the intent of the Legislature that the panel allocate these funds in a manner consistent with the objectives of this chapter as provided in Section 10200.

(b) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, the panel shall waive the minimum wage provisions, pursuant to subdivision (f) of Section 10201, if all of the following conditions are met:

(1) The employee is enrolled in an approved licensed nurse training program that consists of not less than 1,000 hours of training.

(2) The employer pays the employee not less than 120 percent of the state minimum wage for not less than the first 20 hours of work per week during each week the employee is enrolled in the training program.

(3) Each program results in full-time employment customary for the occupation for which the individuals are being trained.

(c) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, the panel shall waive any limitation on the hourly length of training programs to allow approval and funding for up to 750 hours of a licensed nurse training program; provided, however, that those funds be used to pay for up to 750 training hours that remain in the licensed nurse training program after the employee has completed the first 800 hours of that program.

(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, employers that participate in the nurse training programs funded pursuant to this section, are not required to meet the eligibility criteria set forth in paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 10200.

(Amended by Stats. 2008, Ch. 497, Sec. 11. Effective January 1, 2009.)