AK SB139

Establishes a Health Care Professions Incentive Program in the Department of Health and Social Services to address shortages of health care professionals in Alaska, with priority given to rural areas.

Provides direct quarterly cash payments to eligible "tier I" professionals (dentists, pharmacists, physicians) and "tier II" professionals (dental hygienists, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, physical therapists, clinical psychologists, clinical social workers) employed at designated shortage areas.

Sets maximum annual incentive payments ranging from $20,000 to $47,000 depending on professional tier and position difficulty, with employers required to make matching payments of up to 50% of the incentive amount.

Limits program participation to 90 participants annually with a 6-year lifetime maximum per professional, and requires new applicants to be discontinued after June 30, 2017, with continuing support only for previously approved participants.

Program automatically repeals June 30, 2019, with the Department required to submit a report to the legislature by January 1, 2019 on participation rates, costs, and effects on health care shortage areas.