MN SF2799

Expands nurse loan forgiveness program eligibility to include registered and licensed practical nurses with reduced service obligation from three to two years, and allows commissioners to consider applications from recent nursing graduates.

Modifies nursing facility scholarship program period from July 1, 2001-June 30, 2003 to October 1, 2014-September 30, 2016, reduces minimum work hours from 20 to 10 per week, and adds support for newly hired and recently graduated nurses to repay student loans.

Creates nursing facility apprenticeship rate incentive program providing payment rate adjustments to facilities with employees in state or federal registered apprenticeship programs, with rate increases effective October 1, 2014, and requires annual reporting to legislature on program participation and workforce impact.

Appropriates $260,000 in fiscal year 2015 to commissioner of health for nurse loan forgiveness program and unspecified amounts to commissioner of employment and economic development for long-term care grant program, long-term care study, and apprenticeship program funding.

Requires commissioner of employment and economic development to report by January 15, 2015 on creating scholarship program for workforce serving aging population in home and community-based services, and to report by February 1, 2015 on tax credits and hiring incentives for long-term care employers.