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 can be up to 100% of a participant's total debt, while ensuring these amounts are not mandatory. The bill allows the Director of the Department of Health to modify repayment procedures and amounts based on available funding, thereby enhancing the program's flexibility and effectiveness in addressing healthcare access in underserved areas.

Key changes in the bill include the insertion of certified addiction counselors into the definition of eligible health professionals and the establishment of new repayment limits for various categories of health professionals. For instance, the maximum repayment for physicians and dentists is set at $165,000, while those specializing in certain fields may receive up to $200,000. Additionally, the bill introduces a regulatory schedule for loan repayments, replacing the previous statutory annual repayment schedule. Overall, the legislation is designed to improve recruitment and retention of healthcare providers in the District, particularly in Health Professional Shortage Areas.