The bill amends and reenacts several sections of the Louisiana Revised Statutes to establish and enhance scholarship programs for nursing and allied health professionals within hospital service districts. Key changes include the expansion of the scholarship program to include "allied health" professions alongside nursing, allowing for a broader range of healthcare professionals to receive financial support for their education. The eligibility criteria have been updated to allow individuals engaged in the study of nursing or allied health at accredited institutions in the United States to apply, provided they intend to practice in areas with a shortage of healthcare professionals.

Additionally, the bill outlines the application and evaluation procedures for scholarship recipients, including the establishment of contracts that detail the terms of the scholarship and the obligations of the recipients to practice in designated areas after completing their education. It also introduces penalties for non-compliance, including repayment procedures for recipients who fail to fulfill their contractual obligations. The bill repeals the previous Chapter 10-C, which contained outdated scholarship programs, thereby streamlining the scholarship process and ensuring that it aligns with current healthcare needs in Louisiana.

Statutes affected:
SB20 Original:
SB20 Engrossed:
SB20 Enrolled:
SB20 Act :