House Bill No. 539, introduced by Representative Berault, establishes a loan repayment program administered by the Louisiana Department of Health aimed at recruiting physician specialists to practice in the state. The bill amends existing law by redefining the term "physician specialist" and introduces a new section that outlines the eligibility criteria for applicants, which includes being a U.S. citizen, not having outstanding contractual obligations, and maintaining good standing on educational loans. The program will provide qualifying applicants with up to $30,000 per year in loan repayments, capped at $150,000, contingent on available funding.

Additionally, the bill mandates the department to create rules for identifying areas in need of physician specialists, establishing application processes, and setting selection criteria. It also requires recipients to enter into contracts that stipulate their obligations, including maintaining their medical licenses and working full-time in their specialty for at least five years. The bill establishes the Health Workforce Needs Fund to support the program financially, allowing the department to seek and manage funds from various sources. The provisions of this act are set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
HB539 Original:
HB539 Engrossed: