Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Minnesota Senate Bill SF4170

Introduced
3/5/26  

Caption

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

Impact

The implementation of SF 4170 is expected to have significant implications for state laws regarding healthcare workforce development. By expanding the eligibility for loan forgiveness to physical therapists and physical therapist assistants, the state aims to foster an increase in the number of practitioners in essential healthcare roles, particularly in areas where access to such services is critically needed. The bill allocates $500,000 from the general fund for this purpose in fiscal year 2027, a move that reflects the state’s recognition of the escalating demand for healthcare services throughout Minnesota.

Summary

Senate File 4170 aims to enhance support for healthcare professionals, specifically targeting physical therapists and physical therapist assistants. The bill makes these professionals eligible for loan forgiveness under the health professional education loan forgiveness program. This initiative is designed to alleviate the financial burden of educational loans on individuals pursuing careers in physical therapy, thereby encouraging more professionals to enter the field and serve communities, especially in designated rural areas or underserved urban communities.

Contention

Some points of contention surrounding SF 4170 may stem from concerns over the bill's funding and long-term sustainability. Critics may question whether the allocated budget will adequately support the loan forgiveness program and whether this funding could be diverted from other vital health initiatives. Additionally, there might be skepticism regarding the bill's effectiveness in genuinely increasing the number of physical therapists servicing rural areas and whether more extensive measures are required to improve healthcare access comprehensively.

Companion Bills

MN HF4067

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

Previously Filed As

MN HF4067

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

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 S3666

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

MN S0019

Health care Professional Loan Forgiveness Program

MN AB2497

Physical therapists.

MN HB1231

Physical Therapists Perform Sports Physicals

MN AB700

Student loans: public service educational loan forgiveness program.

Similar Bills

MI HB4380

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 & 17802b.

MI SB0501

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 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 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.

PA SB1292

"licensed associate art therapist" and related titles; and further providing for penalties, for license renewal, records and fees and for unlawful practice.