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 requires in-person training to remain a prerequisite for certification.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing educational strategies to promote health care professions among middle and high school students, specifically including radiologic technology, nuclear medicine technology, and respiratory care. The Commissioner of Education is required to update the promotion plan by January 1, 2026, to incorporate 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 application process and reporting on the program's effectiveness by January 1, 2027. Overall, the bill seeks to address workforce shortages in the health care sector through financial support, educational initiatives, and targeted recruitment efforts.

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