Rural Nurse and Allied Health Workforce Expansion Act
The Rural Nurse and Allied Health Workforce Expansion Act addresses shortages in nursing and allied health professions by expanding training capacity and strengthening rural education-to-employment pipelines. The Act supports tuition assistance, clinical training, and paid rural placements to build a sustainable workforce. Data collection and planning requirements guide long-term workforce strategy.
Key Provisions
Tuition Assistance for Rural Health Careers Program: Provides grants or loan forgiveness to students pursuing nursing and allied health credentials in exchange for rural service commitments.
Rural Clinical Training Partnership Fund: Supports community college and university partnerships with rural health providers to offer clinical rotations and hands-on experiences.
Satellite Campus and Mobile Training Site Development: Funds the creation or expansion of rural satellite campuses and mobile simulation labs.
Paid Rural Health Internships Program: Offers stipends for students who complete internships or externships in rural facilities.
Statewide Allied Health Workforce Planning and Reporting: Requires the collection and publication of data on rural health workforce supply, training capacity, and regional demand.
Model Language
Section 1. Short Title. This Act shall be known and may be cited as the “Rural Nurse and Allied Health Workforce Expansion Act.”
Section 2. Purpose. The purpose of this Act is to expand and support the pipeline of nurses and allied health professionals serving rural and underserved communities.
Section 3. Definitions.
(a) “Allied health professional” includes but is not limited to licensed practical nurses, dental hygienists, medical assistants, physical therapists, radiology technicians, and behavioral health technicians.
(b) “Rural area” means a geographic region designated as rural by the U.S. Census Bureau or the state health department.
(c) “Department” means the state agency responsible for higher education or workforce development.
Section 4. Tuition Assistance for Rural Health Careers Program.
(a) The Department shall administer a program to provide: (1) Tuition grants for students enrolled in eligible training programs; or (2) Loan forgiveness for licensed graduates who commit to at least two years of practice in a rural area.
(b) Priority shall be given to applicants with rural backgrounds or demonstrated interest in rural service.
Section 5. Rural Clinical Training Partnership Fund.
(a) The Department shall provide grants to accredited health profession programs that: (1) Establish or expand clinical rotation agreements with rural providers; (2) Recruit and train rural preceptors; (3) Deliver interprofessional training modules tailored to rural health.
(b) Funds may support faculty stipends, travel costs, and clinical coordination.
Section 6. Satellite Campus and Mobile Training Site Development.
(a) The Department shall fund the creation or expansion of satellite training centers or mobile simulation units to reach rural learners.
(b) Eligible uses include equipment, instructional staff, and curriculum development.
Section 7. Paid Rural Health Internships Program.
(a) The Department shall provide stipends of up to $5,000 per student for internships or externships conducted in rural clinical settings.
(b) Host facilities must provide structured mentorship and meaningful hands-on experience.
Section 8. Statewide Allied Health Workforce Planning and Reporting.
(a) The Department shall conduct annual data collection and publish a report on: (1) Enrollment and graduation rates in rural-serving programs; (2) Clinical placement availability by region; (3) Workforce shortages and projected demand.
(b) The report shall inform future program planning and investment.
Section 9. Severability. If any provision of this Act is held invalid, the remainder shall remain in full force and effect.
Section 10. Effective Date. This Act shall take effect on January 1 of the year following its enactment.