ND SB2344

Amends the health care professional student loan repayment program to specify loan repayment limits and matching fund requirements for physicians ($20,000/year, max $100,000 over five years with 50% matching funds), clinical psychologists ($12,000/year, max $60,000 with 25% matching), advanced practice registered nurses/registered nurses/physician assistants ($4,000/year, max $20,000 with 10% matching), and behavioral health professionals ($4,000/year, max $20,000 with 10% matching).

Defines behavioral health professionals to include licensed addiction counselors, licensed professional counselors, licensed social workers, registered nurses, specialty practice registered nurses, and licensed behavior analysts.

Requires payments be made directly to the Bank of North Dakota or participating lenders at the conclusion of each twelve-month service period, with prorated payments allowed for incomplete loans, terminations, or circumstances including death, medical disability, or military service.

Allows matching fund requirements to be waived for health care professionals opening new solo practices in cities with fewer than 15,000 residents.

Appropriates $48,000 from the general fund to the Department of Health and Human Services for four registered nurse loan repayment slots for the biennium beginning July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2025.