New Jersey Assembly Bill A1859

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Requires Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to develop pathway to nursing scholarship for health care workers who want to become nurses; appropriates $1 million.

Impact

The proposed bill outlines that up to 100 scholarships, each worth $10,000, will be awarded to eligible candidates enrolled in approved nursing education programs across the state. To qualify for these scholarships, applicants must be residents of New Jersey, have previous or current experience in the healthcare field, and maintain a commitment to working as a nurse upon completion of their studies. By providing financial aid to healthcare workers currently employed in the industry, the bill aims to alleviate the nursing shortage in New Jersey and enhance the overall quality of healthcare services provided.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1859, also known as the 'Pathway to Nursing Scholarship Program Act,' aims to establish a scholarship program specifically designed for healthcare workers interested in becoming nurses. The bill mandates the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA), in collaboration with the New Jersey Board of Nursing, to create this program in response to the critical shortage of nursing staff in the state. The scholarship program will serve as an incentive encouraging those already working in the healthcare industry to pursue nursing education, thereby ensuring a sufficient number of trained nurses are available to meet the healthcare needs of New Jersey residents.

Contention

Although the intent of A1859 is to address the crucial nursing shortage, there may be concerns regarding the amount of funding allocated and the specific eligibility requirements. Some legislators could argue that the $1 million appropriation from the General Fund may not sufficiently cover the needs of a larger population of healthcare workers who aspire to become nurses. Additionally, discussions may arise about ensuring that the scholarship program effectively targets those in underserved communities, thereby promoting equitable access to nursing education.