Maryland Pathway to Nursing Pilot Program and Advisory Committee - Establishment

This bill establishes the Maryland Pathway to Nursing Pilot Program within the Department of Health Higher Education Commission to address nursing shortages and increase workforce diversity. The program aims to support Licensed Practical Nursing and Registered Nursing students by providing financial assistance for tuition, textbooks, computers, and essential wraparound services like transportation and childcare. To guide the initiative, the legislation creates an advisory committee composed of representatives from nursing schools, healthcare organizations, labor groups, and current students to help design and evaluate the pilot. The Secretary of Higher Education must launch grants to at least two diverse pilot sites by July 1, 2025, and submit annual reports to the Governor and General Assembly through 2029.