The bill amends the Rural Health Systems and Professional Incentive Act to expand eligibility for student loans and loan repayments for various healthcare professionals in Nebraska. It introduces new categories of accredited programs for student loans, including medical, dental, nurse anesthesia, and dietitian nutritionist programs. Additionally, it specifies that loan repayment eligibility now includes nurse anesthetists and dietitian nutritionists, alongside other healthcare professionals. The financial assistance limits for student loans and loan repayments are also outlined, with specific amounts designated for different professions and conditions for receiving full loan forgiveness based on practice in designated health profession shortage areas.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that loan repayment recipients must agree to practice in designated shortage areas for a minimum of three years and accept Medicaid patients. It establishes the terms of the agreements between the recipients and the state, including repayment obligations if the recipient discontinues practice early. The bill also emphasizes the use of federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act for loan repayment agreements initiated by the end of 2024, which will not require local funding. The original sections of the law being amended are repealed to incorporate these changes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 71-5662, 71-5663, 71-5665, 71-5668
Final Reading: 71-5662, 71-5663, 71-5665, 71-5668
Slip Law: 71-5662, 71-5663, 71-5665, 71-5668