This bill amends the Arkansas Rural Medical Practice Student Loan and Scholarship Program by redefining "medically underserved" to align with federal standards, specifically referencing 42 U.S.C. 254b. The governing board's name is changed from the Arkansas Rural Medical Practice Student Loan and Scholarship Board to the Arkansas Medically Underserved Population Medical Practice Student Loan and Scholarship Board. The eligibility criteria for loan applicants are also modified, allowing individuals not already contracted to practice in a qualified rural area to apply if they meet other requirements. The bill broadens the scope of eligible areas by replacing "qualified rural communities" with "medically underserved populations."

Additionally, the bill outlines the responsibilities of the newly named board, which will administer the program, establish rules for community participation, and manage loan applications and disbursements. It clarifies the obligations of loan recipients, including practicing in a medically underserved community after training, with provisions for loan forgiveness based on service years. The bill also introduces a program administrator to facilitate communication between loan recipients and communities, monitor program data, and assist in recruitment. It includes provisions for dispute resolution, compliance tracking, and repeals a sunset clause that limited the duration of certain loan contracts, ensuring continued support for medical students and practitioners in underserved areas.

Statutes affected:
HB 1545: 6-81-701, 6-81-702(a), 6-81-702(b), 6-81-702(d), 6-81-703(a), 6-81-704, 6-81-708, 6-81-705, 6-81-706, 6-81-708(c), 6-81-710, 6-81-707, 6-81-716, 6-81-718, 6-81-711(a), 6-81-714(a), 6-81-715, 6-81-716(a)