The proposed bill, General Assembly Proposed Bill No. 6557, aims to establish a student loan forgiveness program and a recruitment and retention incentive program specifically for licensed athletic trainers in Connecticut. The bill introduces a student loan forgiveness program that allows for the forgiveness of up to $25,000 in graduate school loans for athletic trainers who meet certain criteria, including maintaining licensure and committing to work in the state for a minimum of five years full-time or eight years part-time. Additionally, athletic trainers working in rural or underserved areas may qualify for up to $35,000 in loan forgiveness under similar conditions.

Furthermore, the bill outlines a recruitment and retention incentive program that includes several initiatives: reducing licensure fees, providing scholarships to attract students to athletic training graduate programs, and offering grants for athletic trainers relocating to the state, with higher amounts available for those moving to rural or underserved areas. The program also aims to develop recommendations for the appropriate number of athletic trainers needed in various workplaces and establishes a grant fund for an athletic training organization to support mentorship and education efforts. Overall, the bill seeks to address the shortage of athletic trainers in the state by incentivizing both recruitment and retention.