The bill establishes a hospital-based nurse student loan repayment assistance program under the Washington health corps to address the shortage of registered nurses exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. It aims to incentivize trained nurses to work in participating hospitals by offering financial assistance for their student loans in exchange for a service commitment of three to five years. The program is part of a broader initiative that includes various loan repayment and scholarship programs for healthcare professionals serving in underserved areas. Key amendments include the introduction of definitions for the new program and criteria for eligible nurses, as well as the requirement for participating hospitals to contribute to the loan repayment costs.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws related to the health professional loan repayment and scholarship program, allowing appropriated funds to be used for loan repayments and scholarships, with the responsible office determining annual funding amounts. It creates a dedicated account for the hospital-based nurse student loan repayment assistance program, ensuring that expenditures are strictly for loan repayment assistance. The bill also includes a provision that renders the act null and void if specific funding is not provided by June 30, 2023, and sets an expiration date of January 1, 2026, for its provisions.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 28B.115.010, 28B.115.020, 28B.115.030, 28B.115.080, 28B.115.090, 28B.115.110