relative to expanding access to primary health care services, increasing the size of the health care workforce, and making appropriations therefor.

SB 244 creates a Public-Private Health Care Workforce Recruitment and Retention Hub managed by the Bi-State Primary Care Association to expand access to primary care in New Hampshire. It funds specific workforce programs including a $500,000 annual initiative to train 500 nursing assistants (covering up to $2,600 in tuition), loan repayment for clinicians working in non-profits, and expanded nursing mentorship programs with area health education centers. The bill appropriates over $2 million total across fiscal years 2026-2027 to support recruitment, training, and retention of health care workers, particularly in rural areas. These provisions directly affect health care organizations, nursing students, and clinicians seeking career development opportunities in New Hampshire.