AL HB602

Creates the Rural Allied Health Professional Workforce Expansion Act, administered by the Alabama Department of Public Health, to address allied health workforce shortages in rural communities

Establishes tuition grants for students in eligible allied health training programs and loan forgiveness for licensed graduates who commit to at least two years of practice in medically underserved areas, with priority given to applicants with rural backgrounds

Creates the Rural Clinical Training Partnership Fund in the State Treasury to provide grants to accredited health programs that establish rural clinical rotations, recruit rural preceptors, and deliver interprofessional rural health training

Funds satellite training centers or mobile simulation units to reach rural learners, developed in consultation with the Alabama Department of Workforce

Establishes the Paid Rural Health Internships Program providing stipends of up to $5,000 per student for internships in rural clinical settings, with an effective date of October 1, 2026