The Health Professional Loan Repayment Amendment Act of 2026 aims to expand the eligibility of the Health Professional Loan Repayment Program (HPLRP) by including certified addiction counselors alongside existing health professionals. This amendment to the District of Columbia Health Professional Recruitment Program Act of 2005 also seeks to clarify the maximum loan repayment amounts, which are not mandatory, and to replace the current statutory annual repayment schedule with a regulatory one. The bill allows for up to 100% of total debt repayment for participants, with specific caps based on the type of health professional license held.

Additionally, the legislation grants the Director of the Department of Health the authority to adjust allocation procedures and repayment amounts based on available funding. The maximum repayment amounts for various health professionals are specified, with provisions for annual increases tied to the consumer price index. The bill emphasizes the importance of the HPLRP in enhancing healthcare access for District residents, particularly in underserved areas, and encourages prompt action from the Council for its enactment.