Section 597.320  Forgiveness of Scholarship

a)         A recipient must graduate from the nursing program funded and provide a copy of the diploma or certificate that indicates the graduation date as soon as it is available.

b)         A recipient must be licensed as a registered professional nurse or as a licensed practical nurse in the State of Illinois and must provide a copy of the license as soon as it is available. 

c)         For each full-time semester, the nursing employment obligation is 6 months of full-time employment; for each part-time semester, the nursing employment obligation is 3 months of full-time employment; for each full-time quarter/trimester, the nursing employment obligation is 4 months of full-time employment; for each part-time quarter/trimester, the nursing employment obligation is 2 months of full-time employment; for each full-time summer term, the full-time nursing employment obligation is 3 months of full-time employment; for each part-time summer term, the full-time nursing employment obligation is 1½ months of full-time employment.  The total nursing employment obligation for any one academic year shall not exceed 12 months of full-time employment.

d)         Within 12 months after graduation from an associate degree in nursing program, hospital-based diploma in nursing program, baccalaureate degree in nursing program or certificate in practical nursing program, a recipient shall begin meeting the required nursing employment obligation providing direct patient care.  (Section 6 of the Law) Employment as a "license pending" nurse does not meet the nursing employment requirements. Fulfillment of the nursing employment obligation must be completed within a time period equivalent to twice the number of months of nursing employment obligation as described in subsection (c).

e)         Forms to document full-time and/or part-time nursing employment shall be sent to the recipient following graduation and licensure.  Documentation forms will be forwarded periodically until the nursing employment obligation is completed, at which time the recipient will be notified and the record closed.

f)          If a recipient suffers total and permanent disability, the nursing employment obligation shall be excused and deemed satisfied.  (See the definition of "total and permanent disability" in Section 597.10.)

g)         If a recipient dies or is adjudicated as incompetent, all scholarship obligations shall be excused and deemed satisfied. (See the definition of "total and permanent disability" in Section 597.10.)

(Source:  Amended at 26 Ill. Reg. 16965, effective November 08, 2002)