AL HB398

Increases graduate nursing scholarship award amount from $3,800 to $10,000 per year for recipients from Alabama.

Changes number of scholarships to equal five percent of total enrollment in graduate nursing programs in Alabama, rather than a fixed number.

Requires applicants to hold an active, unencumbered Alabama professional nursing license and agree to practice nursing in Alabama for two years (increased from one year).

Gives preference to applicants pursuing careers in nursing education and expands eligibility to include doctorate degrees in education if applicant holds a graduate nursing degree.

Appropriates annual funding equal to five percent of total graduate nursing program enrollment at maximum of $10,000 per scholarship, with Alabama Board of Nursing receiving five percent of total appropriation for administrative costs.