SB 151

Bill Subjects

Health, Health Care Professionals Higher Education, Adult Education Minorities And Minority Businesses

Abstract

Establishes the scholarship for minority students pursuing health care careers (scholarship) and the minority students pursuing health care careers fund (fund). Provides that the commission for higher education (commission) administers the scholarship program and the fund. Prescribes qualifications necessary to: (1) receive an initial scholarship; and (2) qualify for renewal of the scholarship. Provides that the amount of the scholarship awarded for an academic year is the lesser of: (1) the balance of the scholarship recipient's total cost of attendance for the academic year after the application of any other financial assistance for which the scholarship recipient qualifies; or (2) $4,000. Requires a scholarship recipient to enter into a written agreement with the commission to: (1) use the scholarship solely to fund a course of study resulting in a degree or certificate that enables the individual to practice as a health care professional in Indiana; (2) apply for a position as a health care professional in Indiana following the individual's licensure or certification as a health care professional; and (3) if hired, practice as a health care professional in Indiana for at least three years. Requires a scholarship recipient to repay the scholarship if the scholarship recipient fails to: (1) complete the scholarship recipient's program of study; or (2) complete the terms of the scholarship recipient's agreement with the commission. Annually appropriates to the fund from the state general fund an amount sufficient to carry out the purposes of the scholarship program. Requires the commission to report to the general assembly not later than December 1, 2026, regarding the effect of the scholarship program.