Bill > LB553

This bill modifies the Rural Health Systems and Professional Incentive Act to expand student loan and loan repayment opportunities for dietitian nutritionists. Specifically, the bill adds dietitian nutritionists to the list of eligible healthcare professionals who can receive student loans for educational programs and loan repayments when practicing in designated health profession shortage areas in Nebraska. The changes include allowing student loans for dietitian nutritionist programs, providing loan repayment options of up to fifteen thousand dollars per year for up to three years, and including dietitian nutritionist practice when the state commission designates health profession shortage areas. The bill maintains existing provisions about eligibility requirements, such as being licensed to practice in Nebraska, not being in a residency program, and practicing in an underserved area. The financial assistance provisions parallel those for other healthcare professionals like physicians, nurse practitioners, and mental health practitioners, and the bill continues to allow the use of federal American Rescue Plan Act funds for educational debt repayment through the end of 2026.

Health and Social Services

https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59402