This 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 will receive the same loan repayment amounts as other specified health professionals. The agreement terms for loan repayment recipients are also updated to include dietitian nutritionists, ensuring they commit to practicing in designated health profession shortage areas and accepting Medicaid patients. Overall, the bill aims to address workforce shortages in rural health care by incentivizing students to enter and remain in these critical fields.

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