HB255 Summary

• Expands the Board of Nursing's loan-repayment program to include currently certified nurse practitioners (CRNPs), certified nurse midwives (CNMs), and certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) who are already practicing, in addition to those pursuing graduate degrees.

• Allows eligible advanced-practice nurses who have completed their graduate degree within five years preceding the loan application to immediately begin practicing in medically underserved areas while receiving loans.

• Permits annual loans up to $15,000 for master's degree holders (up to 3 years) and doctorate degree holders (up to 4 years), with annual increases tied to Alabama public university in-state tuition growth for graduate nursing programs.

• Requires loan recipients to repay through full-time practice in areas of critical need for 18 months for each year of loan assistance received, with minimum three-year commitment when changing practice areas.

• Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and gubernatorial approval.