Section 2749.10  Summary and Purpose

 

a)         Nursing Education Scholarships (NES) encourage those seeking degrees, certifications, and higher credentials in the nursing field to pursue education to increase both the number of nurses and nurse educators in Illinois, which is important to the health, welfare and security of this State and Nation.  The scholarship helps ensure that financial considerations do not prevent qualified and potential nurses from pursuing nursing education.

 

b)         This Part establishes the rules which govern Nursing Education Scholarship Law [110 ILCS 975].  Additional rules and definitions are contained in General Provisions, 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2700.

 

(Source:  Added at 48 Ill. Reg. 12574, effective August 1, 2024)

 

Section 2749.15  Definitions

 

"Accepted for admission" means a student has completed the requirements for entry into an associate degree in nursing program, associate degree in applied sciences in nursing program, hospital-based diploma in nursing program, baccalaureate degree in nursing program, graduate degree in nursing program, or certificate in practical nursing program at an approved institution, as documented by the institution.  (Section 3(10) of the Law)

 

"Advanced practice registered nurse" or "APRN" means a person who has met the qualifications for a certified nurse midwife (CNM), certified nurse practitioner (CNP); certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA); or clinical nurse specialist (CNS) and has been licensed by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.  (Section 50-10 of the Nurse Practice Act [225 ILCS 65])

 

"Approved institution" means a public community college, private junior college, hospital-based diploma in nursing program, or public or private college or university, or online institution, with a pre-licensure nursing education program that is physically located in this State that has approval by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation for an associate degree in nursing program, associate degree in applied sciences in nursing program, hospital-based diploma in nursing program, baccalaureate degree in nursing program, graduate degree in nursing program, or certificate in a practical nursing program or a post-licensure nursing education program approved by the Illinois Board of Higher Education or any successor agency with similar authority.  (Section 3(3) of the Law)

 

"Associate degree in nursing program" or "hospital-based diploma in nursing program" means a program offered by an approved institution and leading to an associate degree in nursing, associate degree in applied sciences in nursing, or hospital-based diploma in nursing.  (Section 3(7) of the Law)

 

"Baccalaureate degree in nursing program" means a program offered by an approved institution and leading to a bachelor of science degree in nursing.  (Section 3(4) of the Law)

 

"Continuous attendance" means enrollment in an approved institution's nursing program (as a full-time or part-time student), for an entire academic year and for the total duration of time it takes the student to complete the nursing degree or certificate up to the maximum number of years the recipient is eligible to receive the scholarship.  Continuous attendance need not be maintained for the summer term.  Continuous attendance shall be deemed to have been broken if the student goes more than one semester, quarter or trimester without successfully completing a nursing-related course.

 

"Deferment" means the temporary postponement, for a limited amount of time, of a recipient's repayment obligation after the repayment period begins.  Approved reasons for deferment are limited to specific circumstances.

 

"Direct patient care" means care of a patient provided by an advanced practice registered nurse, a registered nurse, or a licensed practical nurse.  Direct patient care may involve any aspect of the health care of a patient, including treatment, counseling, in-service for self-care, education, and administration of medication.

 

"Educational loan" means any loan guaranteed by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission under the Higher Education Student Assistance Law, any education loan made by an institution of higher education from the proceeds of a loan to the institution by the Illinois Finance Authority under the Higher Education Loan Act, or any other loan from public funds made for the purpose of financing an individual's attendance at an institution of higher education. (Section 1(a) of the Educational Loan Default Act [5 ILCS 385])

 

"Enrollment" means the establishment and maintenance of an individual's status as a nursing student in an approved institution, regardless of the terms used at the institution to describe such status.  (Section 3(5) of the Law)

 

"Extension" means extending, for a limited amount of time, the period of time within which the employment obligation must be fulfilled.  Approved reasons for an extension are limited to specific circumstances.

 

"Fees" means those mandatory charges, in addition to tuition, that all students enrolled in a nursing program must pay, including required course or lab fees.  (Section 3(11) of the Law)

 

"Full-time nursing employment" means providing direct patient care of at least 24 hours per week for those persons working weekend shifts, or 35 hours or more per week for those working weekday shifts.

 

"Full-time nursing student" means a student who is enrolled in a nursing program for at least 12 credit hours per term or as otherwise determined as full-time by the academic institution. (Section 3(12) of the Law) 

 

"Graduate degree in nursing program" means a program offered by an approved institution and leading to a master of science degree in nursing or a doctorate of philosophy in nursing, doctorate of nursing, doctorate of nursing practice, doctorate of nursing science, doctorate of nursing education, or doctorate of nurse anesthesia practice.  (Section 3(8) of the Law)

 

"Health care facility" means a facility in Illinois where a scholarship recipient fulfills the recipient's nursing employment obligation and includes, but is not limited to, a health care professional's office, hospital or local health department.

 

"Illinois Nursing Workforce Center Advisory Board" shall have the meaning ascribed in the Nurse Practice Act.  (Section 75-15 of the Nurse Practice Act) 

 

"Illinois resident" means a person who has been a resident of Illinois for at least one year prior to applying for a scholarship and is a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States. (Section 5(1) of the Law)

 

"Law" means the Nursing Education Scholarship Law [110 ILCS 975].  (Section 3(13) of the Law)

 

"Lawful permanent resident " has the same meaning as "eligible noncitizen" as defined in 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2700.20.

 

"Licensed practical nurse" means a person who is currently licensed as a licensed practical nurse by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation under the Nurse Practice Act.  (Section 3(18) of the Law)

 

"Living expenses" means room and board, miscellaneous fees, books, transportation and commuting costs.  This amount is adjusted annually based upon the uniform living allowance reported in the weighted Monetary Award Program (MAP) from the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. (Section 7 of the Law)

 

"Mean-Weighted Average Tuition and Fees" means the tuition and mandatory fees used for the Illinois public universities and community colleges by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission for purposes of Monetary Award Program (MAP) grants.

 

"Nurse educator" means a person who is currently licensed as a registered nurse by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation under the Nurse Practice Act, who has a graduate degree in nursing, and who is employed by an approved academic institution to educate registered nursing students, licensed practical nursing students, and registered nurses pursuing graduate degrees. (Section 3(23) of the Law)

 

"Nurse educator employment" means employment by an approved academic institution in Illinois to educate nursing students.

 

"Nurse educator employment obligation" means employment in this State as a nurse educator for at least two years for each year of scholarship assistance received under Section 6.5 of the Law.  (Section 3(24) of the Law)

 

"Nursing employment obligation" means employment in this State as a registered professional nurse, licensed practical nurse, or advanced practice nurse in direct patient care for at least one year for each year of scholarship assistance received through the Nursing Education Scholarship Program.  (Section 3(14) of the Law) 

 

"Part-time nursing employment" means providing direct patient care for between 17.5 hours and 34 hours per week.

 

"Part-time student" means a person who is enrolled for at least one-third of the number of hours required per term by a school for its full-time students.  (Section 3(15) of the Law)

 

"Practical Nursing Program" means a program offered by an approved institution and leading to a certificate in practical nursing.  (Section 3(16) of the Law)

 

"Prerequisite course" means a course requirement (determined by the approved institution) that a student must meet to demonstrate readiness for enrollment in nursing education.

 

"Registered professional nurse" means a person who is currently licensed as a registered professional nurse by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation under the Nurse Practice Act. (Section 3(17) of the Law)

 

"Student in good standing" means a student enrolled in a nursing program is maintaining a cumulative grade point average equivalent to at least an academic grade of "C". (Section 3(20) of the Law)

 

"Summer term" means a term within an academic year that marks the beginning and end of classes.  The term is approximately four to nine weeks in duration and is typically offered during June, July and August of an academic year.

 

"Total and permanent disability" means a physical or mental impairment, disease, or loss of a permanent nature that prevents nursing employment with or without reasonable accommodation.  Proof of disability shall be a declaration from the social security administration, Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission, Department of Defense, or an insurer authorized to transact business in Illinois who is providing disability insurance coverage to a contractor. (Section 3(21) of the Law) 

 

(Source:  Section 2749.15 renumbered from 2749.10 and amended at 48 Ill. Reg. 12574, effective August 1, 2024)

 

Section 2749.20  Referenced Materials

 

The following materials are referenced in this Part:

 

a)         Illinois statutes:

 

1)         Nursing Education Scholarship Law [110 ILCS 975]

 

2)         Nurse Practice Act [225 ILCS 65]

 

3)         Board of Higher Education Act [110 ILCS 205]

 

4)         State Comptroller Act [15 ILCS 405]

 

5)         Educational Loan Default Act [5 ILCS 385]

 

6)         Higher Education Loan Act [110 ILCS 945]

 

b)         Illinois Administrative Rules:

 

1)         Nurse Practice Act (68 Ill. Adm. Code 1300)

 

2)         General Provisions (23 Ill. Adm. Code 2700)

 

(Source:  Amended at 48 Ill. Reg. 12574, effective August 1, 2024)

 

Section 2749.30  Administrative Hearings

 

Hearings conducted concerning the provisions of this Part shall be conducted in accordance with 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2700.70.

 

(Source:  Amended at 48 Ill. Reg. 12574, effective August 1, 2024)

SUBPART B: ELIGIBILITY AND APPLICATION

 

Section 2749.100  Eligibility

 

a)         To qualify for consideration, an applicant shall meet the eligibility criteria outlined in Section 5 or 6.5 of the Law showing that the applicant:

 

1)         For Nursing Scholarships

 

A)        Has been a resident of this State for at least one year prior to application, and is a citizen or a lawful permanent resident of the United States (Section 5(1) of the Law); and

 

B)        Is enrolled in or accepted for admission to an Illinois school in an associate degree in nursing program, hospital-based diploma in nursing program, baccalaureate degree in nursing program, graduate degree in nursing program or certificate in practical nursing program at an approved institution (Section 5(2) of the Law); and

 

C)        Agrees to meet the nursing employment obligation (Section 5(3) of the Law);

 

2)         For Nurse Educator Scholarships

 

A)        Has been a resident of this State for at least one year prior to application and is a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States (Section 6.5(a)(1) of the Law); and

 

B)        Is enrolled in or accepted for admission to a graduate degree in nursing program at an approved institution (Section 6.5(a)(2) of the Law); and

 

C)        Agrees to meet the nurse educator employment obligation (Section 6.5(a)(3) of the Law).

 

b)         An individual is ineligible to receive the scholarship if the individual:

 

1)         Defaulted on an educational loan;

 

2)         Previously received a scholarship under this Part and was granted a waiver of the continuous attendance requirement (see Section 2749.235 or 597.240) or a discharge of the nursing employment obligation or nurse educator employment obligation (see Section 2749.335 or 597.335); or

 

3)         Receives monies from other scholarship or loan funds requiring service commitments that would prevent the applicant from meeting the nursing employment obligation or nurse educator employment requirements of this Part.

 

(Source:  Amended at 48 Ill. Reg. 12574, effective August 1, 2024)

 

Section 2749.105  Notification (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 48 Ill. Reg. 12574, effective August 1, 2024)

 

Section 2749.110  Application

 

a)         An application for an NES must be submitted annually and an applicant must also complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®).  An ISAC application for an NES and a FAFSA must be completed and received by April 30 immediately preceding the academic year for which the scholarship is being requested.

 

1)         An application will be available on ISAC's website (isac.org) from March 1 through April 30 of each year.  An applicant must provide demographic and educational program information on the application.

 

2)         If the NES application is incomplete, ISAC will notify the applicant.  The applicant will then have until May 31 to furnish the missing information; however, the application will only be considered for processing as of the date the application is complete and received by ISAC.

 

b)         Each person applying for a scholarship shall be provided with a copy of Section 6 or 6.5(e) of the Law at the time of application.  (Sections 6 and 6.5(e) of the Law)

 

(Source:  Amended at 48 Ill. Reg. 12574, effective August 1, 2024)

 

Section 2749.115  Scholarship Renewal (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Recodified from 77 Ill. Adm. Code 597.115 (Department of Public Health) pursuant to P.A. 102-699, at 47 Ill. Reg. 7031)

SUBPART C: AWARD OF SCHOLARSHIPS

 

Section 2749.200  Scholarship Description

 

a)         Scholarships shall be awarded to recipients at approved institutions in Illinois for the following time frames:

 

1)         A student in good standing pursuing an associate degree in nursing may receive a scholarship for up to 2 academic years.  (Section 5 of the Law)

 

2)         A student in good standing pursuing a hospital-based diploma in nursing may receive a scholarship for up to 3 academic years.  (Section 5 of the Law)

 

3)         A student in good standing pursuing a baccalaureate degree in nursing may receive a scholarship for up to 4 academic years.  (Section 5 of the Law)

 

4)         A student in good standing pursuing a graduate degree in nursing may receive a scholarship for up to 5 academic years.  (Section 5 of the Law)

 

5)         A student in good standing pursuing a certificate in practical nursing may receive a scholarship for up to one academic year.  (Section 5 of the Law)

 

6)         A student in good standing pursuing a graduate degree in nursing to become a nurse educator may receive a scholarship for up to 3 academic years.  (Section 6.5(c) of the Law)

 

b)         Awards for students at approved private institutions shall not exceed the tuition and fee charges at community colleges and universities statewide and the uniform living allowance reported in the weighted MAP budget for the academic year in which the scholarship is made.  (Section 7 of the Law)

 

c)         Part-time awards shall be determined by applying the proportion represented by the part-time enrollment to full-time enrollment ratio to the average per term scholarship amount for a student in the same nursing degree category.  (Section 7 of the Law)

 

d)         Full-time awards for students pursuing an associate degree in nursing or a hospital-based diploma in nursing at an Illinois community college shall be determined by adding 75% of the weighted tuition and fees charged by community colleges in Illinois to the uniform living allowance reported in the weighted MAP budget.  (Section 7 of the Law)

 

e)         Scholarship amounts for students pursuing associate, baccalaureate or graduate degrees in nursing at a college or university shall include 75% of the weighted tuition and fees charged by public universities in Illinois plus the uniform living allowance reported in the weighted MAP budget.  (Section 7 of the Law)

 

f)         Scholarship amounts for students in practical nursing programs shall include 75% of the average tuition and fee charges at all practical nursing programs plus the uniform living allowance reported in the weighted MAP budget. (Section 7 of the Law)

 

g)         Scholarship funds shall not be used for expenses incurred when the recipient must complete a prerequisite course or courses (as determined by the approved institution).

 

h)         Scholarship funds shall not be used for expenses incurred when the recipient must repeat an academic course or courses, if the repetition is necessary because the recipient has an academic performance below an acceptable level (as determined by the approved institution).

 

i)          Under the provisions of the State Comptroller Act [15 ILCS 405/10.05], recipients may have their scholarship funds offset to fulfill a delinquent State debt.  The offset of funds shall not reduce, waive, defer or suspend a recipient's continuous attendance requirement, nursing employment obligation, or nurse educator employment obligation under this Part.

 

(Source:  Amended at 48 Ill. Reg. 12574, effective August 1, 2024)

 

Section 2749.210  Determination of Financial Need (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 48 Ill. Reg. 12574, effective August 1, 2024)

 

Section 2749.220  Selection Criteria for Award of Scholarships

 

a)         Nursing scholarship recipients will be selected based on the following:

 

1)         Recipients continuing with their nursing education (for the same nursing degree sought) from the previous academic year will receive preference over other applicants;

 

2)         If in any year the number of qualified applicants exceeds the number of scholarships to be awarded, ISAC shall, in consultation with the Illinois Nursing Workforce Center Advisory Board, consider the following factors in granting priority in awarding scholarships:

 

A)        Financial need, as determined by information submitted by the applicant on the FAFSA and provided to ISAC by the U. S. Department of Education, of students who will pursue their education on a full-time or close to full-time basis and who already have a certificate in practical nursing, a diploma in nursing, or an associate degree in nursing and are pursuing a higher degree.  (Section 5(3)(A) of the Law)

 

B)        A student's merit, as shown through the student's grade point average, class rank, and other academic and extracurricular activities (Section 5(3)(C) of the Law), including, but not limited to:

 

i)          A cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale; or

 

ii)         Class rank in the 50^th percentile or higher.

 

C)        The number of credit hours remaining for the applicant to complete the certificate, diploma or degree, beginning with those with the fewest remaining.

 

D)        The date the completed application was received, beginning with the earliest date and then in date received order.

 

b)         Nurse educator scholarship recipients will be selected based on the following:

 

1)         Recipients continuing with their nursing education (for the same nursing degree sought) from the previous academic year will receive preference over other applicants;

 

2)         If in any year the number of qualified applicants exceeds the number of scholarships to be awarded, ISAC shall, in consultation with the Illinois Nursing Workforce Center Advisory Board, consider the following factors in granting priority in awarding scholarships:

 

A)        Financial need, as determined by information submitted by the applicant on the FAFSA and provided to ISAC by the U.S. Department of Education of students who will pursue their education on a full-time or close to full-time basis and who already have a baccalaureate degree in nursing and are pursuing a higher degree. (Section 6.5(b)(1) of the Law)

 

B)        A student's status as a registered nurse who is pursuing a graduate degree in nursing to pursue employment in an approved institution that educates licensed practical nurses and that educates registered nurses in undergraduate and graduate nursing programs. (Section 6.5(b)(2) of the Law)

 

C)        A student's merit, as shown through the student's grade point average, class rank, experience as a nurse, including supervisory experience, experience as a nurse in the United States military, and other academic and extracurricular activities (Section 6.5(b)(3) of the Law), including, but not limited to:

 

i)          A cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale; or

 

ii)         Class rank in the 50^th percentile or higher.

 

D)        The number of credit hours remaining for the applicant to complete the degree, beginning with those with the fewest remaining.

 

E)        The date the completed application was received, beginning with the earliest date and then in date received order.

 

c)         Scholarship awards shall be distributed as follows:

 

1)         At least 40% of the scholarships awarded shall be for recipients who are pursuing baccalaureate degrees in nursing;

 

2)         At least 30% of the scholarships awarded shall be for recipients who are pursuing associate degrees in nursing or a hospital-based diploma in nursing;

 

3)         At least 20% of the scholarships awarded shall be for recipients who are pursuing a graduate degree in nursing; and

 

4)         At least 10% of the scholarships awarded shall be for recipients who are pursuing a certificate in practical nursing.  (Section 5 of the Law)

 

(Source:  Amended at 48 Ill. Reg. 12574, effective August 1, 2024)

 

Section 2749.230  Student Enrollment and Institutions' Obligations

 

An approved institution may accept a student into its nursing education program based on its own admission requirements, standards and policies. (Section 9(a) of the Law)

 

a)         The total amount of NES awarded to a qualified recipient in a given academic year, when added to other financial aid available to the qualified recipient for that year, shall not exceed the cost of attendance.

 

b)         If the recipient receives other assistance targeted specifically for tuition, fees, and living expenses, the combined assistance shall not exceed the total tuition, fees and living expenses incurred by the recipient, and if it does, the institution shall reduce one of the awards accordingly.

 

c)         If the recipient is eligible for assistance under MAP, the recipient may not be eligible for a full NES award because MAP must be factored into the financial aid package prior to receiving NES assistance.  The institution, however, may request an NES award to finance tuition and fees not paid by MAP.

 

d)         ISAC shall disburse available scholarship funds for tuition and fees and living allowance to the approved institution.

 

e)         Upon receipt of the scholarship funds, the institution shall verify the recipient's enrollment status for the term for which the award was intended.  If enrolled, the institution shall credit the scholarship funds to the recipient's account for expenses due and payable.  The balance of the disbursement shall be released to the recipient.  If the recipient has withdrawn from enrollment for the terms for which the award was intended, the institution shall return the amount of the scholarship payment to ISAC.

 

(Source:  Amended at 48 Ill. Reg. 12574, effective August 1, 2024)

 

Section 2749.235  Continuous Attendance Requirement

 

a)         A recipient must remain enrolled on a continuous basis during the regular school year for the total duration of the time it takes the student to complete the nursing degree or certificate, up to the maximum number of years the recipient is eligible to receive the scholarship, unless granted a leave of absence.

 

b)         A recipient may be granted a leave of absence for the following reasons:

 

1)         physical or mental health disability that results in the recipient's temporary inability to remain continuously enrolled, as established by the sworn statement of a licensed health care professional; or

 

2)         military service.

 

(Source:  Amended at 48 Ill. Reg. 12574, effective August 1, 2024)

 

Section 2749.240  Waiver of Continuous Attendance Requirement (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 48 Ill. Reg. 12574, effective August 1, 2024)

SUBPART D: TERMS OF PERFORMANCE

 

Section 2749.300  Work Agreement

 

Prior to receiving scholarship funding for any academic year, the qualified applicant must sign a Work Agreement/Promissory Note and submit it to ISAC.  The Work Agreement/Promissory Note shall include the following stipulations:

 

a)         for fulfillment of the nursing employment obligation, the recipient pledges to begin working as a registered professional nurse, licensed practical nurse or advanced practice registered nurse providing direct patient care at a health care facility in Illinois within one year following completion of the postsecondary degree or license program for which the award funds were provided and continue working on a full- or part-time basis for at least one year for each year of scholarship assistance received.  (See Section 2749.320.)

 

b)         for fulfillment of the nurse educator employment obligation, the recipient pledges to begin working as a nurse educator at an approved institution in Illinois to educate nursing students within one year following completion of the graduate degree for which the award funds were provided and continue working on a full- or part-time basis for at least two years for each year of scholarship assistance received.  (See Section 2749.320.)

 

(Source:  Amended at 48 Ill. Reg. 12574, effective August 1, 2024)

 

Section 2749.310  Repayment of Scholarship

 

a)         Any recipient who fails to fulfill the terms of the Work Agreement shall pay to ISAC an amount equal to the amount of scholarship funds received per year for each unfulfilled year of the nursing employment obligation or nurse educator employment obligation, together with interest at 7% per year on the unpaid balance.  (Sections 6 and 6.5(d) of the Law)

 

b)         Failure to fulfill the work obligation shall include, but not be limited to:

 

1)         Misstatements in reporting information to ISAC;

 

2)         Misrepresentation to ISAC for the purpose of obtaining a scholarship;

 

3)         Failure to maintain the continuous attendance requirement;

 

4)         Failure to complete nursing school, voluntary withdrawal from school or dismissal from school due to academic failure (as defined by the school);

 

5)         Failure to become a licensed nurse in Illinois; and

 

6)         Failure to fulfill the nursing employment obligation or nurse educator employment obligation.

 

c)         Repayment must begin within 6 months following the date of the default action initiating the repayment. (Sections 6 and 6.5(d) of the Law)

 

d)         Recipients who fail to fulfill their obligation shall enter repayment status on the earliest of the following dates:

 

1)         the first day of the calendar month after the recipient has ceased to pursue a course of study leading to an associate degree in nursing program, hospital-based diploma in nursing program, baccalaureate degree in nursing program, graduate degree in nursing program or certificate in practical nursing program, but not before six months have elapsed after the cessation of at least part-time enrollment in such a course of study;

 

2)         the date the recipient informs ISAC that the recipient does not plan to fulfill the work obligation; or

 

3)         the day after the latest date upon which the recipient is required to begin working after completing the postsecondary education for which the scholarship was awarded.

 

e)         If a recipient fails to pay monies owed to ISAC, ISAC may require a recipient to reimburse the State for expenses, legal fees and costs, incurred by ISAC or other agent of the State for a successful legal action against the recipient for a breach of any provision of the Work Agreement and refer the recipient to the Illinois Attorney General or to a collection agency.  The total 6-year interest shall be due if the recipient fails to fulfill the repayment requirements and the case is settled through authorized agencies outside ISAC. (Section 4 of the Law)

 

f)         All cash repayments must be completed within 6 years from the date of the first annual cash payment. (Sections 6 and 6.5(d) of the Law)

 

g)         ISAC may allow a nurse educator employment obligation fulfillment alternative if the nurse educator scholarship recipient is unsuccessful in finding work as a nurse educator.  The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) shall maintain a database of all available nurse educator positions in this State. (Section 6.5(d) of the Law)

 

(Source:  Amended at 48 Ill. Reg. 12574, effective August 1, 2024)

 

Section 2749.320  Fulfillment of Nursing Employment Obligation or Nurse Educator Employment Obligation

 

a)         A recipient must graduate from the nursing program funded and provide a copy of the certificate, diploma or degree that indicates the graduation date promptly upon request.

 

b)         A recipient must be licensed as a registered professional nurse, an advanced practice registered nurse, or a licensed practical nurse in the State of Illinois and must provide a copy of the license promptly upon request. 

 

c)         Except as provided in Sections 2749.325, 2749.330 and 2749.335, within 12 months after graduation from an associate degree in nursing program, hospital-based diploma in nursing program, baccalaureate degree in nursing program, graduate degree in nursing program, or certificate in practical nursing program, any recipient who accepted a scholarship shall begin meeting the required nursing employment obligation. (Section 6 of the Law)

 

1)         To complete the nursing employment obligation, the recipient must work full time or part time (as applicable) at a medical facility in Illinois providing direct patient care.

 

2)         Fulfillment of the nursing employment obligation may be achieved as follows:

 

A)        For each full-time semester completed, the obligation is six months of full-time employment or 12 months of part-time employment;

 

B)        For each part-time semester completed, the obligation is three months of full-time employment or six months of part-time employment;

 

C)        For each full-time quarter or trimester completed, the obligation is four months of full-time employment or eight months of part-time employment;

 

D)        For each part-time quarter or trimester completed, the obligation is two months of full-time employment or four months of part-time employment;

 

E)        For each full-time summer term completed, the obligation is three months of full-time employment or six months of part-time employment;

 

F)         For each part-time summer term completed, the obligation is one and one-half months of full-time employment or three months of part-time employment.

 

d)         Except as provided in Sections 2749.325, 2749.330 and 2749.335, within 12 months after graduation from a graduate degree in nursing program for nurse educators, any recipient who accepted a scholarship shall begin meeting the required nurse educator employment obligation by teaching nursing students at an approved institution in Illinois. (Section 6.5(d) of the Law)

 

1)         A recipient must graduate from the nursing program funded and provide a copy of the degree that indicates the graduation date promptly upon request.

 

2)         To complete the nurse educator employment obligation, the recipient shall be employed full time or part time (as applicable) at an approved institution in Illinois to educate nursing students. The nurse educator employment obligation is 2 years for each year of scholarship assistance received. (Section 3(24) of the Law)

 

3)         Fulfillment of the nurse educator employment obligation may be achieved as follows:

 

A)        For each full-time semester completed, the obligation is 12 months of employment;

 

B)        For each part-time semester completed, the obligation is six months of employment;

 

C)        For each full-time quarter or trimester completed, the obligation is eight months of employment;

 

D)        For each part-time quarter or trimester completed, the obligation is four months of employment;

 

E)        For each full-time summer term completed, the obligation is six months of employment;

 

F)         For each part-time summer term completed, the obligation is three months of employment.

 

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

 

(Source:  Amended at 48 Ill. Reg. 12574, effective August 1, 2024)

 

Section 2749.325  Extension of Fulfilling Nursing Employment Obligation or Nurse Educator Employment Obligation

 

A request to extend the period of time within which the recipient's nursing employment obligation or nurse educator obligation must be fulfilled shall be submitted in writing to ISAC.  The request shall be accompanied and supported by documentation as requested by ISAC.

 

a)         Reasons for extending the period of time within which the recipient’s nursing employment obligation must be fulfilled include:

 

1)         serving as a member of the United States Armed Forces, including as a military reservist, for not more than four years;

 

2)         temporary, total disability, as established by the sworn affidavit of a licensed qualified physician, for not more than three years;

 

3)         enrolled in an academic program leading to a higher degree or a graduate degree in nursing until no longer enrolled or graduation;

 

4)         maternity, paternity or adoption leave, for not more than 12 weeks.  If the recipient's leave will exceed 12 weeks, an extension may be granted based on documented medical need; and

 

5)         involuntarily leaving the profession due to a decreased in the number of nurses employed in the State.  When requesting an extension, the recipient shall provide documentation to ISAC demonstrating that nursing positions do not exist in the recipient's area.  If an extension is granted, it will be re-evaluated every 6 months.

 

b)         Reasons for extending the period of time within which the recipient's nurse educator employment obligation must be fulfilled may include:

 

1)         serving as a member of the United States Armed Forces, including as a military reservist, for not more than four years;

 

2)         temporary, total disability, as established by the sworn affidavit of a licensed qualified physician, for not more than three years;

 

3)         enrolled in an academic program leading to a graduate degree in nursing;

 

4)         maternity, paternity or adoption leave, for not more than 12 weeks.  If the recipient's leave will exceed 12 weeks, an extension may be granted based on documented medical need; and

 

5)         involuntarily leaving the profession due to a decrease in the number of nurses employed in the State.  When requesting this extension, the recipient shall provide documentation to ISAC that nurse educator positions do not exist in the recipient's area.  If an extension is granted, it will be re-evaluated every 6 months.

 

(Source:  Added at 48 Ill. Reg. 12574, effective August 1, 2024)

 

Section 2749.330  Deferment of Nursing Employment Obligation or Nurse Educator Employment Obligation

 

A request to defer the recipient's nursing employment obligation or nurse educator employment obligation shall be submitted in writing to ISAC.  The request shall detail the reasons for the deferment and shall be accompanied and supported by documentation as requested by ISAC.

 

a)         Deferment of the nursing employment obligation may include the recipient:

 

1)         Spending up to four years in military service before or after graduation.  The recipient shall notify ISAC within 30 days after enlisting in military service. (Section 6 of the Law)

 

2)         Being called to active duty (for recipients who are military reservists) by the armed forces of the United States.  The recipient shall submit a copy of the order to active duty with the written request for deferment.  The duration of the deferment shall equal the recipient's period of active military duty.

 

3)         Enrolling in an academic program leading to a higher degree or a graduate degree in nursing.  If the recipient receives funding through the Nursing Education Scholarship Program for a higher degree, the nursing employment obligation shall be deferred until the recipient is no longer enrolled or has graduated.  The recipient shall notify ISAC within 30 days if the recipient is enrolled in an academic program leading to a graduate degree in nursing. (Section 6 of the Law)

 

4)         Failing to fulfill the nursing employment obligation by involuntarily leaving the profession due to a decrease in the number of nurses employed in the State.  When requesting a deferral, the recipient shall provide documentation to ISAC demonstrating that nursing positions do not exist in the recipient's area.  If a deferment is granted, it will be re-evaluated every 6 months. (Section 6 of the Law)

 

5)         Providing documentation of a physical or mental health disability that results in the recipient's temporary inability to fulfill the obligation.  Documentation shall include an explanation from a licensed health care professional attesting to the recipient's temporary inability to fulfill the obligation.  This deferment may be granted for up to three years.

 

6)         Requesting up to 12 weeks leave for maternity, paternity or adoption leave.  If the recipient's leave will exceed 12 weeks, a deferment may be granted based on documented medical need.

 

7)         The recipient must begin meeting the required nursing employment obligations no later than 6 months after the end of the deferments. (Section 6 of the Law)

 

b)         Deferment of the nurse educator employment obligation may include the recipient:

 

1)         Spending up to four years in military service before or after graduation.  The recipient shall notify ISAC within 30 days after enlisting. (Section 6.5(d) of the Law)

 

2)         Being called to active duty (for recipients who are military reservists) by the armed forces of the United States.  The recipient shall submit a copy of the order to active duty with the written request for deferment.  The duration of the deferment shall equal the recipient's period of active military duty.

 

3)         Enrolling in an academic program leading to a graduate degree in nursing.  The recipient shall notify ISAC within 30 days after enrolling in an academic program leading to a graduate degree in nursing. (Section 6.5(d) of the Law)

 

4)         Providing documentation of a physical or mental health disability that results in the recipient's temporary inability to fulfill the recipient nurse educator employment obligation.  Documentation shall include an explanation from a licensed health care professional attesting to the recipient's temporary inability to fulfill the nurse educator employment obligation.  This deferment may be granted for up to three years.

 

5)         Requesting up to 12 weeks for maternity, paternity or adoption leave.  If the recipient's leave will exceed 12 weeks, a deferment may be granted based on documented medical need.

 

6)         The nurse educator employment obligation may be deferred and re-evaluated every 6 months when the failure to fulfill the nurse educator employment obligation results from involuntarily leaving the profession due to a decrease in the number of nurses employed in this State.  (Section 6.5(d) of the Law)  When requesting this deferral, the recipient shall provide documentation to ISAC that no nurse educator position exists in the recipients' area.

 

7)         ISAC may allow a nurse educator employment obligation fulfillment alternative if the nurse educator scholarship recipient is unsuccessful in finding work as a nurse educator.  (Section 6.5(d) of the Law)  Prior to ISAC approving an alternative to the nurse educator employment obligation, the recipient shall provide documentation that no nurse educator position exists in the recipient area.  If the recipient demonstrates that no nurse educator position exists, ISAC will allow the recipient to fulfill the service obligation by working as a nurse in a medical facility in Illinois providing direct patient care.

 

8)         The recipient must begin meeting the required nurse educator employment obligation no later than 6 months after the end of the deferment or deferments. (Section 6.5(d) of the Law)

 

(Source:  Amended at 48 Ill. Reg. 12574, effective August 1, 2024)

 

Section 2749.335  Discharge of Nursing Employment Obligation or Nurse Educator Employment Obligation

 

A discharge request of a recipient's nursing employment obligation or nurse educator employment obligation shall be submitted in writing to ISAC.  The request shall detail the reasons for the discharge and be accompanied and supported by documentation as described in this Section.

 

a)         Reasons for a discharge request may include the recipient's:

 

1)         Total and permanent disability;

 

2)         Incompetency; or

 

3)         Death.

 

b)         If the discharge is due to total and permanent disability, a formal request from a physician, advanced practice registered nurse, or physician's assistant (who is licensed to practice in the United States) is required. Accompanying this formal request, proof of disability shall be:

 

1)         A declaration from the Social Security Administration;

 

2)         From the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission;

 

3)         From the U.S. Department of Defense; or

 

4)         From an insurer authorized to transact business in Illinois who is providing disability insurance coverage to a contractor. (Section 3(21) of the Law)

 

c)         If a discharge is requested because the recipient is incompetent, the request shall be supported by a certified copy of the adjudication from a State or federal court of law.  No claim for repayment may be filed against the estate of an individual deemed incompetent. (Sections 6 and 6.5(d) of the Law)

 

d)         If the discharge is requested because of the recipient's death, the request shall be supported by a certified copy of the recipient's death certificate.  No claim for repayment may be filed against the estate of a decedent. (Sections 6 and 6.5(d) of the Law)

 

(Source:  Amended at 48 Ill. Reg. 12574, effective August 1, 2024)