Bill > A00060

This bill amends the New York State Education Law to extend regents scholarships and loan forgiveness programs to registered professional nurses, previously available only to physicians. Specifically, the bill adds nursing to existing scholarship and loan forgiveness provisions, allowing up to 2,000 scholarships annually for nursing students (compared to 100 for medical students) and enabling registered nurses to receive loan forgiveness awards if they agree to practice in designated shortage areas of New York State. The bill defines a registered professional nurse according to section 6903 of the education law and establishes similar eligibility criteria for nurses as those already in place for physicians, including requirements to practice in underserved regions for a specified period. Loan forgiveness will cover undergraduate and nursing school student expenses, with a maximum annual payment of $10,000, and recipients must complete a service commitment in a designated shortage area. The changes aim to address healthcare workforce needs by providing financial incentives for nurses to work in areas with limited medical professional resources. The bill will take effect on the first day of July following its enactment.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A60