A bill for an act relating to loan repayments made by the college student aid commission under the mental health professional loan repayment program and including applicability provisions.(See HF 244.)
Impact
The legislation modifies current obligations for mental health professionals regarding loan repayments. Previously, if these professionals failed to meet their practice commitments, they were required to repay the total amounts received. HSB47 eliminates this strict repayment requirement while still holding them accountable by prohibiting further payments if obligations are not fulfilled. This change may encourage more professionals to engage in the program without the fear of significant financial liability if they are unable to complete the terms of service due to unforeseen circumstances.
Summary
House Study Bill 47 (HSB47) seeks to amend the existing mental health professional loan repayment program managed by the college student aid commission. This program is designed to provide financial relief to mental health professionals who commit to practicing in designated service areas. Under the proposed bill, these professionals will be eligible for annual loan repayments after fulfilling one year of service, with specific stipulations for both full-time and part-time practitioners. The annual repayment amount will remain at eight thousand dollars for full-time practice and will be prorated for part-time practice based on hours worked.
Contention
While supporters of HSB47 argue that easing the repayment obligations will attract more mental health professionals to underserved areas, critics may express concern over the potential leniency it provides. There may be fears that removing mandatory repayment could lead to situations where individuals receive benefits without adequately contributing to communities in need of their services. This issue ignites debates over maintaining accountability within financial assistance programs while supporting workforce sustainability in the mental health sector.
Related
A bill for an act relating to loan repayments made by the college student aid commission under the mental health professional loan repayment program and including applicability provisions.(See SF 253.)
Replaced by
A bill for an act relating to loan repayments made by the college student aid commission under the mental health professional loan repayment program and including applicability provisions.(Formerly SSB 1024.)
Replaced by
A bill for an act relating to loan repayments made by the college student aid commission under the mental health professional loan repayment program and including applicability provisions.(Formerly HSB 47.)
A bill for an act providing for the rural veterinarian loan repayment program, including by allowing a loan repayment recipient to exclude net income attributable to loan payments received under the program.(See SF 2491.)
A bill for an act providing for the rural veterinarian loan repayment program, including by allowing a loan repayment recipient to exclude net income attributable to loan payments received under the program.(Formerly SF 2460.)
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8; Title 33; Title 36; Title 49; Title 52; Title 56; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to professional counselors.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8; Title 33; Title 36; Title 49; Title 52; Title 56; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to professional counselors.
Occupations: individual licensing and registration; licensure of professional guardians and conservators; require. Amends sec. 303a of 1980 PA 299 (MCL 339.303a) & adds art. 14A.