Representative Tom Latham (R-IA) has introduced the “Nurses’ Higher Education and Loan Repayment Act of 2009” (H.R. 1460). The bill would amend the Public Health Service Act to establish a graduate degree loan repayment program for nurses who become faculty members for at least four of the six years after completing their degree. Repayment for a master’s degree would be up to $10,000 per year with an aggregate $40,000 cap; for a doctorate, annual payments could be up to $20,000 with an $80,000 cap. Appropriations for the program would be “such sums as may be necessary” for FY 10 - FY 14.
Given the dire shortage of nurses, this legislation could have tremendous impact on encouraging individuals to enter the profession. I commend Representative Latham for his effort to address one of the gravest challenges in our healthcare system.
Bill text is available via thomas.loc.gov by searching for the bill number.
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