The proposed bill amends the Rural Health Systems and Professional Incentive Act to expand eligibility for student loans and loan repayment programs 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 repayments, which previously included only medical, dental, and certain mental health education programs. The bill also harmonizes existing provisions and repeals the original sections of the law that are being amended.

Additionally, the bill outlines the financial assistance limits for various health professions, specifying that dietitian nutritionists will receive the same financial support as other health professionals 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 while accepting Medicaid patients. Overall, the bill aims to address the shortage of health professionals in rural Nebraska by incentivizing students to enter and remain in these critical fields.

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