House of Representatives

SB 1209

loan repayment; primary care providers

Sponsors: Senators Gerard and Nichols

DP	Committee on Health
X	Caucus and COW
	As Passed the House

SB 1209 allows a mid-level health care provider (Physician Assistant, Nurse Practitioner or Certified Nurse Midwife) to participate in either of the loan repayment programs offered by the Department of Health Services (DHS) for up to four years, and specifies the amount of educational loan reimbursement that the provider is eligible to receive.

History

Mid-level providers in this state are eligible to receive money to pay back their educational loans if they agree to provide service to certain areas. SB 1209 affects two of these programs. One is a federal program that requires mid-level providers to serve in areas with a health care professional shortage (HPSAs). The other program is run entirely by the state with providers serving in federally determined HPSAs as well as medically underserved areas (azmuas) determined by DHS. Both programs are administered by DHS.

Mid-level providers are currently allowed receive the reimbursement for two years through these programs, at an amount no more than $7,500 per year.

Provisions

· Allows a mid-level provider to enter into a contract to serve in a HPSA or an azmua and receive reimbursement for educational loans for up to four years.

· Provides up to $7,500 for the first two years of service, up to $9,000 for the third year and up to $10,500 for the fourth year of service for a mid-level provider.

SB 1209 passed the Health Committee unamended.

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44th Legislature

Second Regular Session 2 March 13, 2001

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