Provides for loan forgiveness for physicians who return to medical specialty shortage areas of origin

BILL NUMBER:S3776

Title of bill

An act to amend the public health law, in relation to providing an educational loan forgiveness program to physicians who return to a physician shortage area of origin

Purpose

To provide an incentive for students to study medicine and return to underserved areas to practice.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1: Amends section 235 of the Public Health Law by adding two new subdivisions 5 and 6 which define the terms of "designated physician shortage areas" and "specialty" or "specialty area."

Section 2: Amends the Public Health Law by adding a new subdivision 236-b which creates the physicians returning to shortage areas loan forgiveness program. To be eligible a participant must have lived in any shortage area for at least two years. The education loan forgiveness program award may be up to $15,000 per year for up to five years. If the recipient fails to comply with the provisions of the program the money awarded must be returned.

Section 3: Effective date.

Justification

There are serious health professional shortages in rural areas and some inner city areas in New York State. This bill is aimed at attracting students who already live in underserved areas to study medicine and then return to their shortage area. Studies have shown that these physicians are more likely to stay for a longer time in their original home than those who are recruited from elsewhere.

Legislative history

S.2771 of 2012: Died in Senate Health S.2771 of 2011: Died in Senate Health S.2879 of 2010: Died in Senate Health S.2879 of 2009: Died in Senate Health S.475 of 2008: Passed Senate, Died in Assembly Health S.475 of 2007: Died in Senate Health, Died in Assembly Ways and Means S.3422 of 2006: Died in Senate Finance, Died in Assembly Ways and Means S.3422 of 2005: Died in Senate Health, Died in Assembly Health S.6808 of 2004: Died in Senate Health, Died in Assembly Health

Fiscal implications

There would be a small impact on tax revenues to the state with this program. The total amount would depend on how many physicians participate in the program.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after it shall have become a law; provided, however, that effective immediately, the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of this act on its effective date is authorized and directed to be made and completed on or before such effective date.