The bill amends sections of the Code of West Virginia concerning higher education loan programs, particularly the medical student loan program and health sciences loan repayment programs. Significant changes include an increase in the maximum annual loan amount for medical students from $10,000 to $20,000 and an extension of the loan repayment period to a maximum of ten years. The bill also mandates that awards be paid directly to federal loan service providers and eliminates previous licensure provisions related to repayment. Additionally, it replaces scholarship language with loan repayment language in the health sciences and mental health provider loan repayment programs, emphasizing service commitments in underserved areas of West Virginia.

Moreover, the bill establishes a Mental Health Provider Student Loan Repayment Fund, which will consist of unexpended funds, legislative appropriations, and repayments from recipients who do not fulfill their practice agreements. This fund will not expire or revert to general revenue at the end of the fiscal year. The bill clarifies that participation in the student loan repayment program does not guarantee an award and outlines eligibility criteria, including a commitment to practice in underserved areas for a minimum of two years. It also updates definitions related to training and underserved areas, streamlining the administration of the program by replacing references to the Vice Chancellor for Health Sciences with the Vice Chancellor for Administration.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18C-3-1, 18C-3-3
Committee Substitute: 18C-3-1, 18C-3-3
Engrossed Committee Substitute: 18C-3-1, 18C-3-3