AZ HB2629

Changes article heading in Arizona Revised Statutes Title 15, Chapter 13, Article 9 from "Medical programs" to "Health professional programs" and adds new section 15-1752 establishing the Arizona Nurses Academy.

Creates scholarship program providing $5,000 per year (up to 4 years) for university students and $3,000 per year (up to 2 years) for community college students enrolled in nursing programs at eligible postsecondary institutions.

Requires scholarship recipients to practice as nurses for one calendar year per year of scholarship received in hospitals, community health centers, skilled nursing facilities, public schools, or home health agencies in counties with populations under 500,000 or on Indian reservations.

Establishes the Arizona Nurses Academy Fund through legislative appropriations and limits marketing/administrative expenses to 3 percent of annual fund monies, with remaining scholarship costs paid from the fund.

Requires annual reporting to the Arizona Board of Regents and legislature detailing enrollment numbers, completion rates, practice locations of graduates, repayment agreements, and fund distribution methodology.