SB 555 - This act repeals current law relating to student loans for certain health professional students and establishes the "Health Professional Loan Repayment Program". Under this program, the Department of Health and Senior Services shall provide forgivable loans in order to repay existing loans for eligible educational expenses for health professional students. The director of the Department shall have the discretion to select the health professionals who are eligible for the forgivable loans in accordance with the greatest need in the best interest of the public. Individuals receiving loans under this program shall agree to serve at least 2 years in an area of defined need as a condition of receipt of the funds. An individual who fails to uphold the loan agreement shall be liable for the amount paid to the individual by the Department under this program. This act is substantially similar to provisions in the truly agreed to and finally passed HCS/SS/SCS/SB 106 (2023), the truly agreed to and finally passed SS/HB 402 (2023), the truly agreed to and finally passed CCS/HCS/SS/SCS/SBs 45 & 90 (2023), the truly agreed to and finally passed CCS/HCS/SS/SCS/SB 157 (2023), the truly agreed to and finally passed HCS/SS/SCS/SB 70 (2023), and HB 542 (2023).
SARAH HASKINS