In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. “Committee” means the Maryland Pathway to Nursing Advisory Committee. “Program” means the Maryland Pathway to Nursing Pilot Program.

There is a Maryland Pathway to Nursing Pilot Program in the Commission. The goals of the Program are to: Support students in licensed practical nursing educational programs who intend to practice licensed practical nursing as a career in the State or continue on the nursing educational pathway to become a registered nurse in the State; Alleviate the shortage of nursing professionals by increasing the graduation and licensure rates of licensed practical nursing and registered nursing students in the State; Increase the number of licensed practical nurses and registered nurses who reflect the diversity of the communities they serve; Facilitate student applications for financial resources that provide tuition assistance, loan repayment, and support for other educational costs; and Provide Program participants with financial assistance to cover the cost of: Computers, textbooks, and other supplies and additional education support services; and Wraparound support services that provide assistance with transportation, child care, elder care, and other living expenses that pose a barrier to students successfully completing the student’s educational requirements. The Secretary, in consultation with the Committee, shall determine the following for the Program: The time frame and steps necessary to establish the Program; The areas of the State in which the Program will operate; Funding to support the Program, including a strategy for sustainability through braided funding from local workforce development boards, local health care systems, and federal grants; The resources necessary to support the Program; and The types of evaluations, including obtaining feedback from students and educational institutions, needed to make recommendations about the Program’s design and expansion statewide. On or before July 1, 2025, the Secretary shall issue grants to at least two pilot sites, located in diverse areas, that meet the Commission’s requirements for participation in the Program. On or before December 15, 2024, and each December 15 thereafter through 2029, the Secretary shall report to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly on the implementation of the Program.

There is a Maryland Pathway to Nursing Advisory Committee. The Committee shall assist the Secretary in the development and implementation of the Program. The Committee consists of the following members, appointed by the Secretary: One representative of the Department of Veterans Affairs; One representative of the Maryland Department of Health; One representative of the State Board of Nursing; One representative of the Maryland Department of Labor; Four representatives from community colleges in the State that offer licensed practical nursing programs; Two representatives from public higher education institutions with a 4–year degree nursing program, one of whom shall be from a historically Black college or university; One representative from a private higher education institution that primarily offers 4–year degree programs; One representative of the Maryland Nurses Association; One representative of the Maryland Association of Community Colleges; One representative of the Maryland Independent College and University Association; One representative of the Maryland Hospital Association; One representative of the Lifespan Network; One representative of the Baltimore County Public Health Pathways Program; One representative from a labor organization that represents certified nursing assistants, licensed practical nurses, and registered nurses; One representative from a local workforce investment board; One practical nursing student in the State; One licensed practical nurse licensed in the State; One representative of LeadingAge Maryland; One representative of the Health Facilities Association of Maryland; and Any other individual with expertise or experience that the Secretary determines is relevant to the Committee. The Secretary shall designate the chair of the Committee. The Commission shall provide staff for the Committee. A member of the Committee: May not receive compensation as a member of the Committee; but Is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.