The Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee has advanced bipartisan legislation led by Senator Bob Singer (R-30) aimed at addressing shortages in New Jersey’s healthcare workforce. The bill seeks to expand eligibility for state loan forgiveness programs.
“New Jersey has long struggled with workforce shortages in the healthcare industry and is projected to have one of the biggest needs for primary care physicians in the country,” said Sen. Singer. “By expanding participation in the state’s loan redemption program, we’ll retain and attract more health professionals while improving quality of care for New Jerseyans.”
Senate Bill S-780 would rename and broaden the Health Care Professional Loan Redemption Program to include physiatrists and other health professionals as determined by the Commissioner of Health. The proposed legislation also raises the maximum amount available for loan redemption.
Participants must fulfill their service requirements at sites approved by the program, which are located in medically underserved areas.
The full text of the legislation is available online.
