The bill amends the Rural Health Systems and Professional Incentive Act to expand eligibility for student loans and loan repayments to include additional healthcare programs and professionals. Specifically, it allows students enrolled in accredited medical, dental, nurse anesthesia, dietitian nutritionist, and mental health programs in Nebraska to qualify for student loans. Additionally, it introduces loan repayment options for nurse anesthetists and dietitian nutritionists, alongside existing provisions for other healthcare professionals. The bill also updates the definitions of eligible practitioners for loan repayment, ensuring that they are licensed to practice in Nebraska and not enrolled in residency programs.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the financial assistance limits for various healthcare professionals, specifying amounts for student loans and loan repayments based on their practice in designated health profession shortage areas. It establishes a framework for agreements between loan repayment recipients and the state, detailing the obligations of recipients to practice in shortage areas for a minimum of three years and the consequences of discontinuing practice before fulfilling this requirement. 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, thereby reducing the financial burden on local entities.

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