The bill amends and reenacts several provisions of the Health Care Employment Reinvestment Opportunity (H.E.R.O.) Fund, specifically R.S. 17:3050.11. It authorizes the Louisiana Department of Health to allocate and expend funds from the H.E.R.O. Fund for various purposes, including supporting dual enrollment programs, increasing career pathways in healthcare, and raising awareness of healthcare occupations. New provisions also allow the department to fund grant proposals aimed at enhancing training and educational opportunities for Louisiana residents in healthcare fields, including financial incentives for nursing and allied health programs.

Additionally, the bill outlines the procedures for grant proposals, including requirements for documentation, evaluation criteria, and the necessity for healthcare industry partners to match grant awards. It mandates the department to publish funding opportunities and submit annual reports on fund allocation and performance metrics. The bill also establishes that the Louisiana Board of Regents will assist the department with relevant information and documentation. The provisions of this act will take effect on July 1, 2024, and it includes a clause for the continuation of previously awarded grants by the Board of Regents.

Statutes affected:
HB329 Original: 17:11(C)(1)
HB329 Engrossed: 17:11(C)(1)
HB329 Reengrossed: 17:11(C)(1)
HB329 Enrolled: 17:11(C)(1)
HB329 Act 607: 17:11(C)(1)