New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A3352

Introduced
1/29/24  

Caption

Establishes tuition reimbursement program for certain advanced practice nurses who provide mental health care services in underserved areas in New Jersey.

Impact

The program will directly impact state laws related to health care access and education for advanced practice nurses. Specifically, it will allow the Commissioner of Health to designate areas in need based on health status and economic indicators, guiding the selection of service areas for participating nurses. Furthermore, this bill aims to strengthen the workforce in mental health care by providing financial incentives that potentially alleviate the existing shortage of qualified professionals in underserved regions.

Summary

A3352 establishes a tuition reimbursement program aimed at advanced practice nurses in New Jersey who provide mental health care services in areas designated as having a shortage of such services. The program is designed as a response to the increasing need for mental health care providers in underserved geographic regions across the state. This initiative will provide financial support to encourage nurses to pursue advanced education in exchange for a commitment to serve in these areas for a specified period.

Contention

While the bill is largely positioned as a positive step towards improving mental health service delivery, there are points of contention worth noting. Opponents may argue that tying tuition reimbursement to service commitments could create challenges for nurses who wish to work in other areas or who cannot adhere to the full-time service requirement. There may also be concerns regarding the adequacy of funding for this program and whether the reimbursement rates will be sufficient to attract and retain qualified professionals in challenging environments.

Companion Bills

NJ S2936

Same As Establishes tuition reimbursement program for certain advanced practice nurses who provide mental health care services in underserved areas in New Jersey.

NJ A230

Carry Over Establishes tuition reimbursement program for certain advanced practice nurses who provide mental health care services in underserved areas in New Jersey.

Previously Filed As

NJ A230

Establishes tuition reimbursement program for certain advanced practice nurses who provide mental health care services in underserved areas in New Jersey.

NJ S2936

Establishes tuition reimbursement program for certain advanced practice nurses who provide mental health care services in underserved areas in New Jersey.

NJ S2420

Establishes tuition reimbursement program for certain advanced practice nurses who provide home health care services.

NJ A2507

Establishes tuition reimbursement program for certain advanced practice nurses who provide home health care services.

NJ A3659

Establishes tuition reimbursement program for certain advanced practice nurses who provide home health care services.

NJ S1269

Establishes tuition reimbursement program for certain advanced practice nurses who provide home health care services.

NJ S3371

Establishes veterinary medicine loan redemption program for certain veterinarians who work in underserved areas for five years; annually appropriates $500,000.

NJ A5087

Establishes New Jersey Tuition Reimbursement Program for Special Education Teachers.

NJ A5007

Establishes veterinary medicine loan redemption program for certain veterinarians who work in underserved areas for five years; annually appropriates $500,000.

NJ S3338

Establishes veterinary medicine loan redemption program for certain veterinarians who work in underserved areas for five years; annually appropriates $500,000.

Similar Bills

NJ S2936

Establishes tuition reimbursement program for certain advanced practice nurses who provide mental health care services in underserved areas in New Jersey.

NJ A230

Establishes tuition reimbursement program for certain advanced practice nurses who provide mental health care services in underserved areas in New Jersey.

NJ A2801

Renames, extends eligibility, and makes various other changes to Primary Care Practitioner Loan Redemption Program.

NJ A4613

Renames, extends eligibility, and makes various other changes to Primary Care Practitioner Loan Redemption Program.

NJ S3212

Renames, extends eligibility, and makes various other changes to Primary Care Practitioner Loan Redemption Program.

NJ S780

Renames, extends eligibility, and makes various other changes to Primary Care Practitioner Loan Redemption Program.

SC S0019

Health care Professional Loan Forgiveness Program

NJ A323

Provides loan redemption for certain veterinarians who work at approved site for five years; annually appropriates $500,000.