New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S2936

Introduced
3/11/24  

Caption

Establishes tuition reimbursement program for certain advanced practice nurses who provide mental health care services in underserved areas in New Jersey.

Impact

The implementation of S2936 is expected to significantly enhance mental health care access in regions that currently struggle with a lack of qualified professionals. The Commissioner of Health will play a key role in identifying these underserved areas and will provide a list of specific locations that need additional support. By incentivizing financial support for nurses willing to work in these areas, the bill seeks to improve overall public health outcomes and ensure that residents have access to necessary mental health services.

Summary

Senate Bill S2936 establishes a tuition reimbursement program specifically for advanced practice nurses who provide mental health care services in underserved areas of New Jersey. The bill aims to address the shortage of mental health professionals in designated geographic locations that are considered underserved based on health status and economic indicators. Under the program, advanced practice nurses can receive reimbursement for a portion of their tuition expenses incurred while attending an accredited program, provided they commit to practicing in these designated areas for up to four years.

Contention

A notable aspect of the discussion surrounding S2936 involves the balance between incentivizing nurses to work in underserved areas and ensuring that the program is equitable and effective. Critics may express concerns about the feasibility of the commitment period required for tuition reimbursement, as well as the potential for limiting the availability of care in urban versus rural settings. Additionally, the requirement for program participants to adhere to specific terms, including patient care standards and non-discrimination policies, may raise questions about implementation and monitoring.

Companion Bills

NJ A3352

Same As Establishes tuition reimbursement program for certain advanced practice nurses who provide mental health care services in underserved areas in New Jersey.

NJ A230

Carry Over Establishes tuition reimbursement program for certain advanced practice nurses who provide mental health care services in underserved areas in New Jersey.

Previously Filed As

NJ S586

Establishes tuition reimbursement program for certain advanced practice nurses who provide mental health care services in underserved areas in New Jersey.

NJ A367

Establishes tuition reimbursement program for certain advanced practice nurses who provide mental health care services in underserved areas in New Jersey.

NJ A4165

Establishes tuition reimbursement program for certain advanced practice nurses who provide home health care services.

NJ S558

Establishes tuition reimbursement program for certain advanced practice nurses who provide home health care services.

NJ S08341

Establishes a temporary practice authorization program for physicians, registered nurses and licensed practical nurses to practice in underserved areas.

NJ A08472

Establishes a temporary practice authorization program for physicians, registered nurses and licensed practical nurses to practice in underserved areas.

NJ SB00260

An Act Establishing A Loan Forgiveness Program And A Tuition Payment Program For Certain Health Care Professionals Who Work In A Rural Or Other Underserved Area Or In A Field With A Workforce Shortage.

NJ A2750

Establishes New Jersey Tuition Reimbursement Program for Special Education Teachers.

NJ S1911

Establishes veterinary medicine loan redemption program for certain veterinarians who work in underserved areas for five years; annually appropriates $500,000.

NJ S2996

Eliminates certain practice restrictions for advanced practice nurses.

Similar Bills

NJ S586

Establishes tuition reimbursement program for certain advanced practice nurses who provide mental health care services in underserved areas in New Jersey.

NJ A367

Establishes tuition reimbursement program for certain advanced practice nurses who provide mental health care services in underserved areas in New Jersey.

SC S0019

Health care Professional Loan Forgiveness Program

NJ A4472

Provides loan redemption for certain veterinarians who work at approved site for five years; annually appropriates $500,000.

CT HB06886

An Act Establishing A Nursing Student Loan Reimbursement Program.

CA SB317

Wastewater surveillance.

NJ S1911

Establishes veterinary medicine loan redemption program for certain veterinarians who work in underserved areas for five years; annually appropriates $500,000.

NJ A5047

Establishes "Oral Health Equity Act."