The bill establishes the Kansas healthcare service scholarship program, replacing the previous nursing service scholarship program and expanding eligibility to include part-time students as well as allied health and health science programs. It mandates the transfer of funds from the state general fund to support this new initiative and repeals the existing nursing scholarship program. Key amendments include renaming the program and broadening the scope to encompass various healthcare professions, with updated scholarship application processes reflecting these changes.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing laws by replacing references to "nursing" with "healthcare" and clarifies the obligations of scholarship recipients under sponsorship agreements. It allows for the fulfillment of obligations if a sponsor cannot employ the individual due to bankruptcy or operational failures, or if the individual is released from employment. The bill also establishes the Kansas healthcare service scholarship program fund, redesignates the previous nursing service scholarship fund, and requires the state board of regents to adopt regulations for program administration, along with an annual report to legislative committees. The nursing student scholarship discontinued attendance fund is abolished, and a new scholarship repayment fund is created to ensure proper allocation of funds for the new program. The act will take effect upon publication in the statute book.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 74-3291, 74-3292, 74-3293, 74-3294, 74-3295, 74-3296, 74-3297, 74-3298