SB134 Alabama 2017 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Gerald O. Dial
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2017
Title: Nursing, Board of, loan repayment program for advanced-practice nurses, loan program authorized for certain currently certified nurses, Sec. 34-21-96 am'd.
Summary: SB134 expands Alabama's nursing loan program to include currently certified advanced-practice nurses who agree to work in medically underserved areas, in addition to new graduates.
What This Bill Does
The bill allows the Board of Nursing to provide loans to CRNPs, CNMs, and CRNAs who contract to practice in underserved areas, including those who have recently completed a graduate degree and begin practicing immediately. It sets loan terms of up to 3 years for a master's degree and up to 4 years for a doctorate, with annual loan amounts up to $15,000 (adjustable based on in-state graduate tuition). Participants must meet eligibility and contract requirements, and each year of a loan requires 18 months of full-time service in a designated area of need; they may change areas with approval but must serve at least 3 years in the new area.

Who It Affects
Currently certified APRNs (CRNPs, CNMs, CRNAs) who contract with the Board to work in medically underserved areas and may receive loan support.
Nursing students or recent graduates who have pursued or completed a graduate degree within the last five years and plan to practice as CRNPs, CNMs, or CRNAs in underserved areas, potentially qualifying for loans.

Key Provisions
Authorizes the Board of Nursing to award loans under the Alabama Loan-Repayment Program for Advanced-Practice Nursing to currently certified CRNPs, CNMs, and CRNAs who contract to practice in medically underserved areas.
Expands eligibility to include individuals who have recently completed a graduate degree and immediately begin practicing in underserved areas.
Sets loan terms: up to 3 years for a master's degree and up to 4 years for a doctorate; annual loan amount capped at $15,000, with potential yearly increases tied to the change in in-state tuition for graduate programs in Alabama public colleges/universities.
Loans require a signed service contract; for each year of loan, the recipient must work 18 months in full-time practice in a qualifying area.
Participants may change their area of need with board approval, but must complete at least 3 years of service in the new area.
Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and governor 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: Nursing, Board of