SB 486

This bill addresses a shortage of medical imaging and respiratory care professionals by implementing recommendations from a state task force focused on radiologic technologists, nuclear medicine technologists, and respiratory care practitioners. The legislation aims to increase the number of qualified workers in these fields by offering student loan and tuition assistance, creating flexible educational pathways including part-time and accelerated programs, establishing grant funding for training programs, and launching recruitment and marketing efforts to attract new students to these professions. By reducing financial barriers and expanding educational options, the bill seeks to expand the workforce in these critical healthcare roles and improve access to diagnostic imaging and respiratory care services.