SB37 Summary

• Amends Alabama Code Section 34-21-96 to expand 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), in addition to students pursuing these degrees.

• Authorizes annual loans up to $15,000 for eligible applicants, with the board able to increase the maximum by the average percentage increase in in-state graduate tuition at Alabama public universities each year.

• Limits loan awards to 3 years for those pursuing or holding a master's degree and 4 years for those pursuing or holding a doctorate degree.

• Requires borrowers to work 18 months in full-time practice in a medically underserved area of Alabama for each year of loans received, or immediately if already certified.

• Permits participants to change work locations within critical need areas with board approval, but requires at least 3 years of full-time practice in any new area.