Nevada Assembly supports AB 269 to expand behavioral health loan repayment program

The Senate Committee on Government Affairs convened on May 9, 2025, to discuss Assembly Bill 269, aimed at expanding the Nevada Health Equity and Loan Assistance Program (HEAL) to include a broader range of behavioral health care providers. The bill seeks to address the critical shortage of health care professionals in underserved areas of Nevada by offering student loan repayment assistance to various licensed professionals, including marriage and family therapists, alcohol and drug counselors, and applied behavior analysts.

The initiative, originally established during the 2023 legislative session through Assembly Bill 45, was designed to incentivize health care providers to work in areas with significant health care needs. The current proposal aims to amend the program to include additional professions that are essential for mental health and substance abuse treatment, which are in high demand across the state.

Sarah Hunt, Executive Director of Be Here Nevada, emphasized the importance of retaining qualified professionals in the state, noting that the inclusion of these professions in the HEAL program would enhance the state's ability to address mental health and substance abuse issues effectively. She highlighted the ongoing workforce shortages and the need for targeted support to encourage professionals to remain in Nevada.

Leonardo Benavides from UNLV also spoke in favor of the bill, noting the collaboration with the treasurer's office to amend the program and include other essential health care roles, such as speech-language pathologists and physical therapists. The committee discussed the financial implications of the program, with concerns raised about the sustainability of the funding, which is capped at $2.5 million annually.

Senator Neal raised questions regarding the criteria for defining "underserved communities" and the potential for the program to expand beyond its original intent. He expressed concerns that the language in the bill could allow providers in adjacent areas to qualify for loan repayment without serving the intended populations. The committee acknowledged the need for clarity in the definitions and agreed to consider amendments to ensure the program remains focused on its primary goal of serving those in need.

The meeting concluded with a strong show of support from various stakeholders, including public health organizations and educational institutions, who underscored the necessity of expanding the program to improve access to care in Nevada's underserved communities. The committee plans to review the proposed amendments and continue discussions in future sessions.