Bill > S1385

This bill expands loan repayment assistance for primary care physicians, specifically including family physicians, internal medicine physicians, pediatricians, and obstetricians/gynecologists. To be eligible for loan forgiveness, physicians must meet several key requirements: work in a practice setting with a significant public payor patient population (as determined by the department of public health), have outstanding educational debt, not be participating in any other loan repayment program, and commit to a contract with the commonwealth for at least 4 years. The bill also stipulates that loan assistance amounts will be pro-rated for physicians working part-time. The executive office of health and human services is required to develop implementing regulations within 3 months of the act's effective date. This legislation aims to support primary care healthcare professionals by providing financial relief for their educational loans, potentially helping to address healthcare workforce shortages and incentivize physicians to work in settings serving public insurance populations.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1385