Many of you may recall the expansion of the State Loan Repayment Program back in February 2015 when the Governor signed Senate Bill 1194. The bill enhanced the program by expanding the types of providers who can receive loan repayment assistance, increasing the award amounts that eligible providers may receive and removing the four-year service cap.

When the law became effective in July 2015 behavioral health providers, pharmacists and geriatrics were added to the list of then eligible providers such as primary care physicians, dentists and advanced practice providers like nurse practitioners, physician assistants and nurse midwives. The new law makes up to $65,000 available for physicians and dentists for a two-year commitment and up to $50,000 for advanced practice providers, pharmacists and behavioral health providers. The bill authorized ADHS to engage in exempt rulemaking for the program.

The final draft rules are now posted online for a 30-day public comment period until March 22, with them anticipated to be effective April 1. The final draft rules include changes to the prioritization process in which providers are going to be selected for state loan repayment program participation and loan repayment awards, payment structure and other changes as required by state and federal law. If you want to learn more about these upcoming changes, please attend one of the webinar sessions.