Income Tax - Credits for Nursing Program Preceptors in Areas With Health Care Workforce Shortages - Alterations

HB 496 modifies Maryland's tax credit program for healthcare professionals who serve as unpaid preceptors in nursing programs within areas designated as having healthcare workforce shortages. It reduces the required training hours per rotation from 100 to 90 hours for eligible nurse practitioners, physicians, licensed practical nurses, and registered nurses. The credit applies only to preceptors working in designated shortage areas and is funded through a new $15 fee on nurse practitioner license renewals, with funds directed to the preceptor tax credit program. This bill directly affects healthcare professionals mentoring nursing students in underserved regions, making it easier to qualify for the tax credit by lowering the hour requirement.