Texas Senate Bill SB358

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the Nursing Faculty Loan Repayment Assistance Program.

Impact

The legislation is intended to mitigate the ongoing nursing faculty shortage in Texas, which has been a significant barrier to nursing program enrollment and consequently impacts the healthcare workforce. By offering loan repayment assistance, the bill encourages nurses to enter teaching roles, thus improving educational capacity and outcomes in nursing programs statewide. This bill is expected to apply to repayment assistance for the 2020-2021 academic year and beyond, reflecting a strategic investment in nursing education.

Summary

SB358, also known as the Nursing Faculty Loan Repayment Assistance Program, aims to enhance the availability of qualified nursing faculty by providing financial assistance for loan repayment to eligible nurses. To qualify for this assistance, applicants must have been employed for at least one year as part-time or full-time faculty in a nursing degree program at an accredited institution. The bill outlines eligibility criteria, including compliance with additional requirements set by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

Contention

While SB358 garners support for its focus on addressing the nursing faculty shortage, potential contention arises regarding the specifics of the repayment assistance amounts and the board's discretion in setting guidelines. Stakeholders may voice concerns about whether the financial support is adequate to incentivize nurses to remain in or transition to teaching roles. Additionally, there may be discussions surrounding the criteria for eligibility and how effectively it targets the most urgent needs within nursing education, particularly in areas with significant shortages.