1. (a) In addition to the assistance provided under § 24-1904 of this subtitle, the Department may, subject to the availability of money in the Fund, assist in the repayment of an education loan owed by a nurse or nursing support staff who:

   1. (1) Practices a medical specialty that has been identified by the Department as being in shortage in the geographic area of the State where the nurse practices that specialty; and
   2. (2) Commits to practicing in the area for a period of time determined by the Department.

2. (b) The Department shall prioritize funding for the repayment of education loans through the Program in the following order:

   1. (1) Nurses or nursing support staff who meet the requirements under § 24-1904(b)(1) of this subtitle;
   2. (2) Nurses or nursing support staff practicing in primary care in a geographic area where the Department has identified a shortage of nurses or nursing support staff; and
   3. (3) Nurses or nursing support staff practicing in a medical specialty other than primary care in a geographic area where the Department has identified a shortage of that specialty.

Added by Acts 2025, c. 416, § 1, eff. June 1, 2025.