Bill > HB2361

This bill transforms the existing nursing scholarship program into a broader Kansas Healthcare Service Scholarship Program, significantly expanding its scope and eligibility. The key changes include renaming the program, adding part-time students as eligible participants, and dramatically broadening the list of eligible healthcare programs from just nursing to include 30 different healthcare professions ranging from licensed practical nursing and physician assistants to medical coding, emergency medical technicians, and many other clinical and non-clinical healthcare occupations. The bill allows scholarships for certificate, two-year, four-year, and graduate-level programs at various eligible postsecondary educational institutions, including community colleges, technical colleges, state universities, and certain independent institutions. The fundamental structure of the scholarship remains similar to the original program, requiring recipients to work in Kansas in their chosen healthcare profession for a period equivalent to their educational scholarship duration, with provisions for postponement under certain circumstances like military service, medical disability, or religious missionary work. The bill also maintains the financial repayment requirements for students who fail to meet their service obligations, with repayment amounts including the scholarship funds plus 5% annual interest.

Health and Social Services

Health and Human Services (H)

https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2361/