Bill > S05971

This bill establishes a nurse loan repayment program that will begin in January 2026, authorizing the commissioner of health to provide loan repayment awards to registered nurses and licensed practical nurses who commit to working for at least five years in underserved areas or nursing homes. Eligible nurses can receive up to $150,000 in loan repayment over five years, with increasing percentages of their total loan debt being repaid each year (starting at 15% in the first year and reaching 25% in the fourth and fifth years). The program aims to address nursing shortages by incentivizing healthcare professionals to work in areas with limited access to care. Nurses must use the funds specifically to repay student loans from government-backed or approved educational institutions. If a recipient works less than two years in the designated area, they must repay the funds with interest. The commissioner has discretion to modify service requirements and can also use these funds to match federal grants for loan repayment programs. The bill is designed to support healthcare workforce development by providing financial incentives for nurses to serve in critical healthcare settings.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S5971