This bill aims to address the shortage of forensic pathologists in West Virginia by establishing a Forensic Pathology Recruitment Program. It introduces a new article in the Code of West Virginia that outlines the purpose of the program, defines relevant terms, and sets eligibility criteria for participants. Eligible applicants must have a degree from an accredited medical school, be licensed in West Virginia, and be employed full-time as board-certified forensic pathologists. The bill also details the loan repayment process, requiring applicants to submit documentation to the Department of Health by July 1 each year, and specifies that loan repayments will be made directly to lenders.

Additionally, the bill creates a dedicated fund within the State Treasury to support the program, stipulating that funds will not expire and will be available for future fiscal years. It establishes award requirements, including a maximum loan repayment limit of $300,000 over a ten-year period, and mandates that the salary for forensic pathologists be set at or above the 90th percentile for the United States, with updates every three years. The Department of Health is tasked with administering the program, maintaining records, and proposing rules for legislative approval to ensure effective implementation.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-5EE-1, 16-5EE-2, 16-5EE-3, 16-5EE-4, 16-5EE-5, 16-5EE-6, 16-5EE-7, 16-5EE-8, 16-5EE-9