The article traces the historical development of regulatory standards for the practice of nursing in New York State. It gives an overview of the 2003 New York State Board for Nursing's proposal to amend the requirements and require a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) within 10 years of initial licensure. Current legislative initiatives are reviewed and the author cites numerous research reports that provide rationale for the bill's passage. Concerns are addressed and nurses are called to debate the issues in order to reach consensus on this important issue.