In the absence of continuous legislative and institutional intervention, the demand for services provided by vocational and registered nurses in California over the next ten years will greatly outpace the supply of nurses anticipated to flow from postsecondary degree programs. Nursing education and supply issues can be better understood and addressed within the context of statewide program planning. This paper describes a study project that aims to produce a comprehensive statewide plan for nursing education that addresses the complex issues pertaining to the nursing supply. The initial planning phases of the project consist of: (1) modeling nursing supply and demand; (2) assessing the general and unique contributions and benefits of the four systems of higher education on nursing education; and (3) determining the cost-effectiveness of recent nursing legislation and initiatives. Appended are: (1) Public and Private Institutions Offering Prelicensure Nursing Programs; and (2) Commission Recommendations from 2003.