Bill > A1010

This bill establishes the "Public-Private Alliance to Retain Talent and Expand Regional Health Program" within the Department of Health (DOH) to address the shortage of healthcare professionals by offering student loan and tuition relief. The program will partner with qualified recruitment and retention servicers, which are entities experienced in connecting educational institutions and hospitals to facilitate student debt repayment and career opportunities. To receive state funds, these servicers must secure matching funds from partner hospitals, which are licensed healthcare facilities, at a rate of 200% of the grant amount, though University Hospital is exempt from this requirement. The bill appropriates $5 million from the General Fund to support this initiative, which aims to incentivize healthcare professionals to work in the state by providing up to $10,000 annually or $30,000 in total for loan or tuition assistance, contingent on a minimum three-year employment commitment with a partner hospital. The DOH will oversee the grant application and award process, and the Commissioner of Health is tasked with reporting on the program's effectiveness and adopting necessary regulations.

Health and Social Services

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/A1010