SB37 Alabama 2019 Session

Updated Feb 24, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Greg J. Reed
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2019
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: SB 37 expands the Board of Nursing's loan program to cover graduate training costs for currently certified advanced-practice nurses who contract to work in medically underserved areas in Alabama.
What This Bill Does
The Board of Nursing may award loans to eligible CRNPs, CNMs, and CRNAs who sign contracts to practice in medically underserved areas. Loans can cover training for graduate degrees, with up to $15,000 per year for up to 3 years for a master's or up to 4 years for a doctorate, and the annual cap may rise based on in-state graduate tuition increases. Recipients must repay by working full-time in an area of critical need for 18 months for each loan year, with options to postpone area selection and to change areas after at least 3 years in the new area, and the board will thoroughly evaluate applicants before awarding loans.

Who It Affects
Currently certified CRNPs, CNMs, and CRNAs who contract with the Board to practice in medically underserved areas and may receive loans to support their graduate training or credentialing.
Nursing students or applicants pursuing or having completed graduate nursing degrees in Alabama who sign contracts to repay and to work in underserved areas after graduation.

Key Provisions
The Board of Nursing may establish and award loans for training of qualified applicants pursuing or holding a graduate degree to become CRNP, CNM, or CRNA, but only for those who sign repayment contracts.
Annual loans may not exceed $15,000, with a maximum of 3 years for master's study or 4 years for doctorate study; the board may increase the annual maximum if in-state graduate nursing tuition rises.
Recipients must work in full-time practice in an area of critical need for 18 months for each year they received a loan, following graduation (or immediately for currently approved CRNP, CNM, or CRNA).
Participants may postpone choosing an area of critical need or change areas, subject to a minimum service requirement of three years in the new area, and the board must carefully evaluate each applicant.
The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after approval by the Governor.

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