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HB 213

RELATING TO LOAN REPAYMENT FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Lisa Kitagawa and 17 co-sponsors

HB 213 offers loan repayment assistance to healthcare professionals who work in underserved areas, boosting access to care and addressing provider shortages.

Reported from HHS (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1151) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading and referral to WAM.
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Bill Summary · HB 213

Summary of HB 213: Loan Repayment for Healthcare Professionals

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 213 (HB 213) aims to establish and fund a Healthcare Education Loan Repayment Program. This program is designed to alleviate the financial burden of student loans for healthcare professionals who commit to working in underserved areas. The bill seeks to enhance the availability of healthcare services in regions that may be experiencing shortages of qualified professionals.

Key Provisions

  • Loan Repayment Assistance: The bill proposes a structured loan repayment program for healthcare professionals, incentivizing them to serve in areas with critical healthcare needs.
  • Funding Appropriation: The legislation includes an appropriation of funds necessary to support the loan repayment program, although specific dollar amounts are not detailed in the provided information.
  • Eligibility Criteria: While specific eligibility criteria are not outlined in the summary, it is expected that healthcare professionals who work in designated underserved areas will qualify for the program.

Affected Parties

  • Healthcare Professionals: Physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers who have incurred student loans will benefit from this program, particularly those willing to work in underserved communities.
  • Underserved Communities: The bill targets regions with limited access to healthcare, aiming to improve health outcomes by attracting qualified professionals to these areas.

Legislative Timeline and Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced: January 15, 2025
  • First Reading: January 16, 2025
  • Committee Reviews: The bill has undergone multiple reviews and amendments:
    • HLT Committee: Recommended passage with amendments on February 5, 2025.
    • FIN Committee: Recommended passage on February 21, 2025.
    • HHS Committee: Reported with a recommendation for passage on March 12, 2025.
  • Second Reading: Passed on March 19, 2025, and referred to the Ways and Means Committee (WAM) for further consideration.
  • Current Status: As of March 19, 2025, the bill is awaiting further action in the WAM committee.

Related Legislation

  • Companion Bills: HB 213 is related to Senate Bills SB 299 and SB 1626, which may address similar issues regarding healthcare professional support and loan repayment.

Conclusion

HB 213 represents a significant step toward addressing the shortage of healthcare professionals in underserved areas by providing financial incentives through a loan repayment program. The bill's progress through the legislative process indicates a growing recognition of the need to support healthcare providers and improve access to care in critical regions.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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