The proposed bill amends the Rural Health Systems and Professional Incentive Act to expand eligibility for student loans and loan repayments to include students in dietitian nutritionist practice programs. Specifically, it adds dietitian nutritionists to the list of eligible professions for both student loans and loan repayment assistance, which previously included only medical, dental, and certain mental health programs. The bill also harmonizes existing provisions and repeals the original sections of the law.

Additionally, the bill outlines the financial assistance limits for various health professions, specifying that dietitian nutritionists can receive up to $15,000 per year for loan repayment while practicing in designated health profession shortage areas. The agreement terms for loan repayment recipients are also updated to include dietitian nutritionists, ensuring they commit to practicing in these shortage areas for a minimum of three years. Overall, the bill aims to address the shortage of health professionals in rural Nebraska by providing financial incentives to those entering the dietitian nutritionist field.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 71-5662, 71-5663, 71-5665, 71-5668