MN HF2772

Expands the home and community-based services employee scholarship program to include repayment of qualified educational loans for employees in addition to scholarships for education in nursing and other health care fields.

Defines "qualified educational loan" as government, commercial, or foundation loans for actual tuition costs, reasonable education expenses, and reasonable living expenses related to graduate or undergraduate education.

Eligible providers must primarily serve individuals age 65 and older in home and community-based settings, including housing with services, adult day care, and home care services, and must establish scholarship and loan forgiveness programs.

Employees must work an average of at least 16 hours per week for the provider to be eligible for scholarships or loan repayment for education leading to career advancement in long-term care, home care, disability services, nursing, or licensure as an assisted living director.

Commissioner must publish annual requests for proposals specifying eligibility requirements, selection criteria, and maximum award amounts, and participating providers must submit detailed applications and regular reports on funds spent and recipients served.