Bill > SB1626

This bill addresses Hawaii's healthcare workforce shortage by appropriating $15 million for each of the fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to the Healthcare Education Loan Repayment Program. The legislation builds upon a successful 2023 initiative that previously allocated $30 million to help healthcare professionals repay their educational loans in exchange for providing medical services in Hawaii. In 2023, the program assisted 890 healthcare workers, including 238 primary care providers and 250 behavioral health specialists, across diverse roles such as case managers, certified nurse assistants, social workers, registered nurses, and physicians. Currently, over 1,300 healthcare workers remain on the program's waitlist. The bill recognizes that financial hardship and high living costs in Hawaii contribute to healthcare workforce challenges and aims to continue supporting healthcare professionals by providing loan repayment assistance. The funds will be administered by the Department of Health, with the act taking effect on July 1, 2025, to help address ongoing healthcare provider shortages in the state.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1626&year=2026