SB134 Summary

• Amends Section 34-21-96 of the Alabama Code to expand the Board of Nursing's loan-repayment program for advanced-practice nurses to include currently certified nurses, not just those pursuing degrees.

• Allows the Board of Nursing to award loans up to $15,000 annually to certified registered nurse practitioners (CRNPs), certified nurse midwives (CNMs), and certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) who have completed their graduate degree within the previous five years.

• Requires loan recipients to sign contracts committing to work in medically underserved areas of Alabama for 18 months for each year of loan assistance received.

• Permits eligible nurses to apply for loans for up to three years for master's degree holders and up to four years for doctorate degree holders, with the maximum annual loan amount subject to adjustment based on in-state tuition increases.

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