Senate Bill 5498 would establish the Nurse Loan Repayment Assistance Program under the Washington Health Corps for nurses at participating employers. Participating employers would include hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, ambulatory surgical facilities, and various health centers.

Bill sponsor Sen. Mark Mullet (D-Issaquah) said there is a major workforce challenge in the healthcare space when it comes to nursing, and lawmakers need to leave this legislative session with solutions to that challenge.

“I do not think there is just one answer to solve this problem,” Mullet said. “I think this bill is one of half a dozen bills that we’re going to have to pass this legislative session to address the workforce challenge issue.”

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