HB63 Alabama 2018 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

April WeaverSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2018

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

HB63 would expand the Board of Nursing's loan-repayment program to provide loans to advanced-practice nurses who recently completed graduate degrees or who are currently certified, for practice in medically underserved areas in Alabama.

What This Bill Does

The bill authorizes the Board of Nursing to provide loan-repayment loans to APRNs who have recently completed a graduate degree or who are currently certified, for contracts to work in medically underserved areas. It sets loan terms of up to three years for a master's degree and up to four years for a doctorate, with annual loans up to $15,000 and potential increases based on Alabama public in-state graduate tuition. Recipients must sign contracts to repay by practicing in a designated area of critical need for 18 months for each year of the loan, may postpone choosing the area, and may change areas only if they commit to at least three years in the new area. The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage.

Who It Affects

• Advanced-practice nurses (CRNPs, CNMs, CRNAs) who are pursuing or have completed graduate degrees or who are currently certified and who sign contracts to work in medically underserved areas.
• Residents of Alabama living in medically underserved areas, who would benefit from increased access to APRN care as more APRNs practice in areas of need.

Key Provisions

• The board may award loans to APRNs pursuing or who have completed graduate degrees (CRNP, CNM, CRNA) who sign contracts to work in areas of critical need, and to currently certified APRNs who contract to practice in those areas.
• Approved loans may last up to three years for a master's degree and up to four years for a doctorate, with an annual loan cap of $15,000, adjustable each year based on the average in-state tuition increases for Alabama public graduate programs in advanced-practice nursing.
• Recipients must sign contracts to repay the loan by working in a designated area of critical need in full-time practice, at 18 months of work for each year of the loan awarded.
• A recipient may postpone choosing the area of critical need and may change areas, but must spend at least three years in the new area.
• The act becomes effective 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