The bill establishes a specialty practice student loan program at the University of Kansas School of Medicine, designed to support students who commit to practicing in underserved medical specialties within designated service commitment areas. It creates a new specialty medical loan repayment fund while abolishing the existing psychiatry and OBGYN medical loan repayment funds. The chancellor of the University of Kansas is given the authority to administer this program, assess workforce needs, and determine which specialties qualify for funding based on community health requirements.

In addition to creating the new fund, the bill amends existing law related to the medical student loan act, including changes to definitions and loan agreement provisions. It removes certain language regarding appropriations and clarifies student obligations, mandating full-time practice in a service commitment area for a specified duration. The bill outlines repayment terms, stating that loans must be repaid in no more than ten equal annual installments, with immediate repayment due if an installment is overdue by 91 days. Overall, the legislation aims to improve healthcare access in Kansas by incentivizing medical students to enter and remain in underserved specialties.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 76-380, 76-386, 76-381, 76-382, 76-384, 76-385