HB595 Summary

• Creates the Alabama Prosthetics and Orthotics Education Grant Program to provide grants to public postsecondary institutions that expand existing master's or doctoral degree programs in prosthetics and orthotics.

• Eligible institutions must offer an accredited orthotics and prosthetics program or demonstrate ability to meet accreditation requirements, and must partner with hospitals and facilities to provide clinical rotations.

• Grant funds may be used for enrollment increases, faculty training and salaries, student financial aid, research projects, facility renovations (limited to 50% of grant amount), equipment, and materials.

• Grantee institutions must commit to maintaining an accredited program after the grant period ends and must give preference in admissions to veterans to the extent practicable.

• Alabama Commission on Higher Education (ACHE) administers the program with funds appropriated annually by the Legislature from the Education Trust Fund; Act becomes effective the first day of the third month following passage.