Health professional loan program expanded

Lawmakers passed a bill April 3 intended to help alleviate a shortage of health professionals in Nebraska.

LB312, sponsored by Sidney Sen. Paul Strommen, adds nurse anesthetists to the list of health professions that qualify for the Rural Health Systems and Professional Incentive Act. The act requires participants to practice in a designated health profession shortage area in Nebraska for three years to qualify for the incentive.

Under the bill, a newly eligible nurse anesthetist may receive repayment for qualified educational debts up to $15,000 annually for three years.

The measure includes provisions of Ralston Sen. Merv Riepe’s LB553, which add dietician nutritionists as qualified health professionals who are eligible for the program.

LB312 passed on a 46-1 vote.