Officials in charge of California's community colleges and universities worked with an advisory committee consisting of representatives of two- and four-year public and independent colleges to develop a plan to ensure an adequate nursing workforce for California. The group reviewed existing nursing education programs, trends in the health care industry, and changing health care needs. The following were among the group's key findings: (1) because of its changing demographics, California will need an increased number and changed mix of registered nurses (RNs) and specialty nursing services; (2) the acuity of patients in hospitals and the community has increased the demand for highly skilled RNs and additional RNs with bachelors and masters degrees; (3) state-supported nursing programs require additional resources to increase the education of RNs; (4) clinical placement opportunities must be developed before nurse training programs can be expanded significantly; (5) increasing nursing enrollments will require increased financial aid; and (6) California needs a system to address efficient statewide workforce planning and production of RNs. Six recommendations regarding state planning and funding of nursing education were presented. (The bibliography lists 10 references. A possible scenario for increasing nurse graduates in California and list of the ad hoc committee on nursing's members are appended.) (MN)