Bill > A6077

This bill creates the "Public-Private Alliance to Retain Talent and Expand Regional Health Program" within the New Jersey State Department of Health to help recruit and retain healthcare professionals through student loan and tuition relief. The program will provide grants to qualified recruitment and retention servicers—organizations that contract with multiple educational institutions and hospitals to help students secure post-graduation employment and manage educational expenses. Eligible healthcare professionals can receive up to $10,000 per year, with a lifetime maximum of $30,000, and must commit to working at a partner hospital for at least three years. Partner hospitals are required to provide matching funds equal to 200% of the grant amount (with an exception for University Hospital), and must offer employment opportunities to healthcare professionals. The Department of Health will review grant applications based on factors like anticipated student reach, geographic distribution, and support plans. The bill appropriates $5 million from the General Fund to implement the program, and requires the Commissioner of Health to submit annual reports evaluating the program's effectiveness in improving healthcare professional recruitment and retention. The program will become operational 60 days after enactment, and the Commissioner must develop implementing regulations within 60 days of the act's passage.

Health and Social Services

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A6077