Creating a rural pharmacy practice grant program administered by the Higher Educational Aids Board, exempting from taxation amounts received from such a grant program, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. (FE)

What it would have done

Summary by the Legislative Reference Bureau, the Legislature's nonpartisan drafting office. It's their wording, not ours.

This bill creates a grant program administered by the Higher Educational Aids Board (HEAB) for pharmacists who engage in the practice of pharmacy in medically underserved areas in this state.

The bill establishes a rural pharmacy practice grant program to encourage pharmacists to engage in the practice of pharmacy in medically underserved areas in this state. To be eligible for the program, a pharmacist must engage in the practice of pharmacy in a medically underserved area in this state and commit to do so for at least three years after graduation from a school of pharmacy. For purposes of the bill, a “medically underserved area" is an area designated as such by the secretary of the federal Department of Health and Human Services. Under the program, an eligible pharmacist may be provided up to $45,000 per year in financial assistance for up to two years. However, HEAB may provide financial assistance to no more than 10 pharmacists per year. A student enrolled in a school of pharmacy may apply to the program prior to becoming a licensed pharmacist. Financial assistance to a pharmacist participating in the program is provided after the pharmacist's year of pharmacy practice in a medically underserved area in this state.

Who's behind it

7 lawmakers are its authors⁠. All 7 are Republicans.

2 more lawmakers signed on in support⁠.

What it would cost

State agencies filed a cost estimate. Each opens as a PDF from the Legislature.

• Fiscal Estimate From DOR
• Fiscal Estimate From HEAB