RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 109 (SB 229) 2021 Regular Session Hensgens
Establishes the Health Care Employment Reinvestment Opportunity (H.E.R.O.) Fund as a
special fund in the state treasury. Monies in the fund shall consist of legislative
appropriations and grants and donations.
Provides that monies in the fund shall be invested by the state treasurer in the same manner
as monies in the state general fund, and interest earned on the investment of monies in the
fund shall be credited to the fund. All unexpended and unencumbered monies in the fund at
the end of the fiscal year shall remain in the fund.
Provides that subject to legislative appropriation and the approval of the Board of Regents,
the La. Health Works Commission is directed to determine how monies in the fund are
allocated and expended through a multi-year plan to be expended solely and exclusively for
the following purposes and in the following priorities:
(1)Meet the current and growing employment demands for nursing and allied health
professionals by increasing the capacity of nursing and allied health training
programs through supporting initiatives such as increasing faculty positions and
clinical preceptors in nursing and allied health schools.
(2)Support the nursing and allied health professions by providing incentives that
financially support student financial stipends and tuition forgiveness contingent upon
employment in Louisiana health care facilities or nursing or allied health schools.
(3)Provide incentives for nursing and allied health care professionals to practice in
Louisiana with an emphasis on medically underserved areas of the state.
Prohibits money in the fund from being used for construction, maintenance, repair, or
improvement of structures.
Requires the La. Health Works Commission to submit a plan of fund allocation to the Board
of Regents on or before October first of each year.
Requires the Board of Regents to submit a comprehensive annual report to the Senate
Finance Committee, House Appropriations Committee, Senate Health and Welfare
Committee, and the House Health and Welfare Committee, no later than 60 days after the
end of the state fiscal year in which the monies were appropriated.
Provides that new law will terminate on July 1, 2026, or when all monies in the fund are
spent, whichever occurs first. Any remaining monies on July 1, 2026, shall be transferred to
the state general fund.
Effective August 1, 2021.
(Adds R.S. 17:3050.11)