House Bill No. [insert number] proposes the establishment of a loan repayment program administered by the Louisiana Department of Health aimed at recruiting physician specialists to practice in the state. The bill amends R.S. 40:1205.7 and enacts R.S. 40:1205.8, defining "physician specialist" and outlining eligibility criteria for applicants. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or nationals, have no outstanding contractual obligations to provide health services, and must not have defaulted on educational loans. The program will provide up to $30,000 per year in loan repayments, with a maximum of $150,000, contingent on available funding.

The bill also establishes the Health Workforce Needs Fund to support the program financially, allowing the department to seek additional funding from various sources. Recipients of loan repayment assistance will enter into contracts with the department, committing to work full-time in their specialty for at least five years and to treat Medicaid and Medicare patients. The bill includes provisions for contract termination in cases of death, disability, or legal issues, as well as penalties for breach of contract. The proposed law is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
HB539 Original: