CHAPTER 20-B-5.  GUARANTEE OF NURSING SCHOOL LOANS

FOR CERTAIN NURSING STUDENTS

§3042.51.  Legislative findings; purpose

A.  The legislature finds that there is a critical shortage of nurses in the state and it is the intent of the legislature to provide for an adequate supply of nurses who will practice nursing in the state of Louisiana.  The legislature further finds that funding such a supply of nurses is a public purpose and, pursuant to Article VII, Section 14 of the Constitution of Louisiana, the legislature intends to provide for a cooperative endeavor to effectuate such purpose.

B.  It is the purpose and intent of this Chapter to provide for loans to eligible applicants who will obtain degrees or diplomas from postsecondary education institutions which will qualify them to become licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, or nurse faculty.  Additionally, the purpose of such loans shall be to bring about an adequate supply of capable licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, and nurse faculty by inducing a sufficient number of the graduates of the colleges, universities, and nursing schools of this state to remain in Louisiana to practice or teach nursing, thus affording adequate, quality nursing care to the people of the state.

Acts 2003, No. 885, §1, eff. July 1, 2003.