The bill amends New Jersey's Primary Care Practitioner Loan Redemption Program, renaming it the Health Care Professional Loan Redemption Program and expanding eligibility criteria. Key changes include a broader definition of "approved site" to encompass various locations serving medically underserved populations, and an increase in the maximum loan redemption amount from $120,000 to $200,000 for participants employed at these sites. The bill also allows for the inclusion of psychiatrists and other health care professionals designated by the Commissioner of Health, thereby widening the scope of eligible practitioners. Additionally, it establishes criteria for designating State-designated underserved areas, automatically including municipalities with a significant percentage of households below the federal poverty level.

Further provisions require the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) to publish annual data on designated areas and the number of positions needed, while detailing service obligations for program participants, including a six-month probationary period and performance standards. The bill maintains the current allocation of 25 percent of funds for the Nursing Faculty Loan Redemption Program but permits the reallocation of excess funds to the Health Care Professional Loan Redemption Program if necessary. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance access to health care services in underserved areas by incentivizing health professionals to work in these communities.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 18A:71C-36.1, 18A:71C-46.1, 18A:71C-58, 18A:71C-65, 18A:71C-48