AN ACT ESTABLISHING A LOAN FORGIVENESS PROGRAM FOR HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS WHO WORK IN A RURAL OR OTHER UNDERSERVED AREA OR IN A FIELD WITH A WORKFORCE SHORTAGE.

SB 253 creates a state loan forgiveness program for healthcare professionals working in rural or medically underserved areas or in fields facing workforce shortages. It forgives up to $50,000 of graduate school loans for eligible professionals who maintain state licensure, do not participate in other loan forgiveness programs, and agree to work full-time for four years (or part-time for eight years) in qualifying settings. The bill directly affects healthcare workers in shortage areas, aiming to address staffing gaps by reducing student debt burdens. This program is funded through state appropriations and requires annual reporting to the Department of Public Health. The legislation is designed to retain and attract healthcare providers to communities with limited access to care.