HB228 Alabama 2016 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: April WeaverSenator
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2016
Title: Advanced Practice Nurses, Loan-Repayment Program established for, to pay for education of, Secs. 34-21-94 to 34-21-99, inclusive, added
Summary: Alabama creates a loan-repayment program for advanced-practice nurses to fund their education in exchange for service in areas of critical need, run by the Board of Nursing with Education Trust Fund funding and a state tax credit.
What This Bill Does
The Board of Nursing administers the Alabama Loan-Repayment Program for Advanced-Practice Nursing, funded by direct appropriation from the Education Trust Fund. It awards annual loans up to $15,000 for up to 3 years for those pursuing a master’s degree or up to 4 years for a doctorate to become CRNPs, CNMs, or CRNAs. Recipients must sign contracts to repay by working full-time in an area of critical need for 18 months for each loan year, with possible area changes but a minimum of 3 years in the new area. Participants receive a $5,000 annual state income tax credit for working in these areas, which can continue for up to 10 tax years after repayment if they stay in the same area.

Who It Affects
Advanced-practice nurses (CRNPs, CNMs, CRNAs) who pursue graduate education in Alabama and receive loan support, agreeing to work in areas of critical need to repay the loans and potentially receive tax credits.
Communities and patient populations in Alabama located in areas defined as areas of critical need (based on HPSA and FQHC criteria) that would gain increased access to APRN care due to loan-recipiency and provider placement.

Key Provisions
Establishes the Alabama Loan-Repayment Program for Advanced-Practice Nursing, administered by the Alabama Board of Nursing.
Program funded by direct appropriation from the Education Trust Fund.
Defines terms: area of critical need, participant, and program.
Awards loans to qualifying graduates pursuing CRNP, CNM, or CRNA training; loans up to $15,000 per year for up to 3 years (master’s) or 4 years (doctorate); annual maximum can be adjusted based on in-state tuition increases.
Loans require signed contracts to repay through full-time practice in an area of critical need for 18 months per year of loan, with a minimum of 3 years in a new area if moved.
Defines areas of critical need by HPSA criteria or high-scoring FQHCs (14+).
Provides a $5,000 per year state tax credit for working in an area of critical need; credit can continue after repayment for up to 10 tax years if remaining in the same area.
Default consequences include immediate repayment of principal plus interest (8% or prime rate) and penalties (20%, 30%, 40%, or 100% in severe cases); default can lead to nursing license revocation.
Board may excuse repayment in cases of death, disability, or extreme hardship.
Annual reporting by the Board on program progress and locations where participants serve.
Program is effective immediately upon passage and approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Nurses and Nursing