MS SB2419

Creates the Hospital Nurses and Respiratory Therapist Retention Loan Repayment Program administered by the State Financial Aid Board for new nursing and respiratory therapist graduates working in Mississippi hospitals

Eligible applicants must be Mississippi residents, newly employed (within last year) as licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, or respiratory therapists at state-licensed general acute care hospitals, and have outstanding educational loans

Awards up to $3,000 per year for up to 3 years of employment, paid directly to the recipient's lender after each employment year is completed

Caps annual new recipients at 150 registered nurses, 50 licensed practical nurses, and 25 respiratory therapists, with renewal applicants receiving priority in subsequent years

Repeals the existing forgivable loan program for baccalaureate and graduate nursing studies (Section 37-106-59) effective July 1, 2022, and the new program sunsets on July 1, 2026