The bill stipulates specific eligibility requirements for scholarship applicants, including residency in New Jersey and enrollment in an approved nursing program at a higher education institution. Scholarship recipients must maintain satisfactory academic progress and will be required to seek employment as a nurse within their county of residence or a neighboring county if opportunities are limited. This provision aims to ensure that the investment in education translates into practical nursing roles in the local community, potentially alleviating workforce shortages.
Summary
Assembly Bill A5622 establishes the Hometown Hero Nursing Scholarship Program in New Jersey, aimed at increasing the number of qualified nursing professionals in the state. The program allocates $1 million from the General Fund to provide financial assistance to certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and certified medical assistants (CMAs) pursuing either an associate's or bachelor's degree in nursing, or a license to practice as a licensed practical nurse (LPN). This initiative is designed to support individuals who have already taken steps toward becoming nursing professionals.
Conclusion
Overall, A5622 seeks to enhance the nursing workforce in New Jersey through targeted financial support while emphasizing accountability through employment commitments. The legislative intent behind the bill highlights a proactive approach to address health care challenges but also invites scrutiny regarding its execution and adaptability to local job market conditions.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding A5622 may arise from the rigid employment requirements imposed on scholarship recipients. The requirement for graduates to work in their county of residency for a set duration could be seen as an obstacle if local job markets do not support sufficient nursing positions. Moreover, the conditions stipulating repayment of scholarship funds for those who fail to fulfill employment obligations or face academic dismissal raise questions about the program’s fairness and accessibility.
Requires Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to develop pathway to nursing scholarship for health care workers who want to become nurses; appropriates $1 million.
Requires Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to develop pathway to nursing scholarship for health care workers who want to become nurses; appropriates $1 million.
Requires Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to develop pathway to nursing scholarship for health care workers who want to become nurses; appropriates $1 million.
Requires Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to develop pathway to nursing scholarship for health care workers who want to become nurses; appropriates $1 million.
Establishes certain requirements and initiatives related to nurses; transfers oversight of certified nurse aides from DOH to Board of Nursing; appropriates $26.7 million.
Establishes certain requirements and initiatives related to nurses; transfers oversight of certified nurse aides from DOH to Board of Nursing; appropriates $26.7 million.
Provides relative to scholarships for children of certain law enforcement officers and other investigative employees killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty. (gov sig) (EN DECREASE SG RV See Note)
Requires Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to develop pathway to nursing scholarship for health care workers who want to become nurses; appropriates $1 million.
Requires Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to develop pathway to nursing scholarship for health care workers who want to become nurses; appropriates $1 million.
Requires Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to develop pathway to nursing scholarship for health care workers who want to become nurses; appropriates $1 million.
Requires Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to develop pathway to nursing scholarship for health care workers who want to become nurses; appropriates $1 million.
Providing for the Pennsylvania Promise Pilot Program; prescribing powers and duties of the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency; providing for scholarships for tuition and fees, scholarships for room and board and aid for adult reeducation; and establishing the Pennsylvania Promise Pilot Program Fund.