Substitute Senate Bill No. 1450, also known as Public Act No. 25-162, aims to enhance the recruitment and retention of the health care workforce in Connecticut. The bill establishes a health care provider loan reimbursement program, effective July 1, 2025, which will provide grants to full-time health care providers employed in the state, excluding self-employed individuals. The Commissioner of Public Health is tasked with developing eligibility requirements for these grants, ensuring that at least 20% of the funds are allocated to primary care providers and those working in rural communities or federally qualified health centers. Additionally, the bill mandates the creation of a virtual education pilot program for nurse's aides and emergency medical technicians, which will be implemented by January 1, 2026, and will include in-person training requirements.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing educational initiatives to promote health care professions in middle and high schools, specifically adding a focus on radiologic technology, nuclear medicine technology, and respiratory care. The Commissioner of Education is required to update the promotion plan by January 1, 2026, to include these specific fields. Additionally, a grant program will be established to incentivize athletic trainers to relocate to Connecticut, with the Commissioner of Public Health overseeing the program and reporting on its effectiveness annually starting January 1, 2027. The bill repeals Section 10-21q of the general statutes and replaces it with new provisions to support these initiatives.

Statutes affected:
PH Joint Favorable Substitute: 10-21q
File No. 611: 10-21q
APP Joint Favorable: 10-21q
Public Act No. 25-162: 10-21q