Connecticut Senate Bill SB00541

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/21/11
• Refer: 1/21/11

Caption

An Act Concerning A Student Loan Program For Nursing Faculty.

Impact

By implementing this loan program, the bill seeks to alleviate the challenges faced in nursing education by both providing financial assistance to prospective faculty and encouraging them to remain within the state post-education. The financial incentives, including potential loan forgiveness, aim to ensure that nursing faculties are not only qualified but also motivated to stay and teach in state-approved institutions, which could significantly impact the quality and availability of nursing education in the state. This could lead to an increase in the number of trained nursing professionals, ultimately benefiting public health overall.

Summary

SB00541 is designed to address the critical shortage of nursing faculty within the state. The proposed legislation mandates the establishment of a student loan program specifically for those pursuing a master's or doctoral degree from an accredited nursing program in the state. In return for receiving these loans, participants agree to engage in nursing instruction in approved programs within the state, thereby fostering a pipeline of well-educated nursing educators who are incentivized to teach in their communities.

Contention

Discussions surrounding SB00541 may center on how to effectively fund the program and the implications of charging a fee for nursing license renewals to support the loan program. While proponents encourage focusing on the long-term benefits of addressing faculty shortages, there may be concerns about the additional financial burden on current nursing professionals. Moreover, ensuring that the loan program is accessible and equitable to all interested candidates is critical and could be a point of debate among stakeholders.