Bill > H1057

This bill directs the University of Massachusetts and its Medical School to create and put into effect rules for "learning contracts," which are agreements made with students. Starting with students admitted in the academic year beginning in 2015, these contracts will require students to complete at least four years of "payback service" within Massachusetts. This service must be in areas like primary care, public or community service, or underserved areas, as decided by the commissioner of public health and a special committee, working with health planning agencies. Importantly, the state, not the medical school, will cover the costs of these learning contracts. If a student doesn't fulfill their payback service, they will have to repay the difference between the tuition they paid and what they would have been charged, plus 8% annual interest, with the money going back to the state. However, no payback or repayment is required until after any internship and residency programs are finished, and interest only starts accumulating after internship requirements are met. The chancellor will also provide an annual report to legislative committees detailing student participation, payback areas, the impact on underserved areas, and financial information related to these contracts.