Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Minnesota House Bill HF4067

Introduced

3/9/26

Refer

3/9/26

Caption

Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants eligible for loan forgiveness under the health professional education loan forgiveness program, and money appropriated.

Impact

The changes proposed by HF4067 would amend Minnesota Statutes to offer new eligibility criteria for loan forgiveness under existing programs. Eligible professionals would include medical residents, nurses, and certain mental health professionals, expanding opportunities for those who plan to serve in designated rural areas or in underserved urban communities. By supporting healthcare providers in these regions, the bill could improve the overall health outcomes in communities that desperately need such services.

Summary

House File 4067 aims to make physical therapists and physical therapist assistants eligible for loan forgiveness under the health professional education loan forgiveness program in Minnesota. The bill allocates $500,000 from the general fund in fiscal year 2027 to support this initiative. The intent is to alleviate the financial burden of education for these healthcare professionals, thereby encouraging them to work in underserved areas where there is a shortage of health professionals.

Contention

While the bill appears generally beneficial, there may be discussions regarding its implications for state budgeting and the prioritization of healthcare funding. Some legislators could express concerns about the adequacy of funding, questioning whether the amount allocated is sufficient to make a significant impact on health service availability. Additionally, the effectiveness of loan forgiveness as a strategy to retain healthcare professionals in rural areas may also be a topic of debate.

Companion Bills

MN SF4170

Similar To Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants eligibility for loan forgiveness under the health professional education loan forgiveness program authorization and appropriation

Previously Filed As

MN SF4170

Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants eligibility for loan forgiveness under the health professional education loan forgiveness program authorization and appropriation

MN HF3133

Physician and medical resident eligibility for loan forgiveness under the health professional education loan forgiveness program modified.

MN SF3408

Health professional education loan forgiveness program physician and medical resident eligibility modifications

MN SF4118

Health professional education loan forgiveness program for physicians licensed to practice medicine in the area of obstetrics and gynecology appropriation

MN H3025

Geriatric Physician Loan Forgiveness Program

MN HF4968

Health policy changes made to all-payer claims data provisions, newborn screening program, health professional loan forgiveness program, rural residency training program, and international graduates assistance program; and money appropriated.

MN S0019

Health care Professional Loan Forgiveness Program

MN AB700

Student loans: public service educational loan forgiveness program.

MN S3666

Extends eligibility for Primary Care Practitioner Loan Redemption Program to physical therapists.

MN AB2497

Physical therapists.

Similar Bills

MI HB4102

Health occupations: physical therapists; licensing process; modify to incorporate physical therapy licensing compact. Amends secs. 16335, 17801 & 17821 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.16335 et seq.) & adds secs. 17820a & 17820b. TIE BAR WITH: HB 4101'25

MI HB4380

MI SB0501

MI SB0144

Health occupations: physical therapists; prescription requirement for physical therapy treatment; eliminate, and make other modifications to the practice of physical therapy. Amends secs. 17801, 17820, 17822, 17824 & 17825 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.17801 et seq.) & adds sec. 17825a.

KS HB2072

Enacting the art therapist licensure act to provide for the regulation and licensing of professional art therapists.

PA HB1733

Further providing for legislative intent, for definitions, for license required, for State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors, for powers and functions of board, for qualifications for license, for procedures for licensing, for exemption from licensure examination, for reciprocity, for endorsement of out-of-State licenses and for reinstatement of license; providing for restriction on use of title "licensed professional art therapist" and related titles; and further providing for penalties, for license renewal, records and fees and for unlawful practice.

PA HB1853

Further providing for legislative intent, for definitions, for license required, for State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors, for powers and functions of board, for qualifications for license, for procedures for licensing, for reciprocity, for endorsement of out-of-State licenses and for reinstatement of license; providing for restrictions on use of title "Licensed Recreational Therapist"; and further providing for penalties, for license renewal and records and fees and for unlawful practice.

IN SB0164

Licensed professional music therapists.