AZ HB2359

Appropriates $250,000 from the state general fund in fiscal year 2018-2019 to the Department of Health Services for the primary care provider loan repayment program to assist physicians, dentists, pharmacists, advance practice providers, and behavioral health providers.

Appropriates an additional $250,000 from the state general fund in fiscal year 2018-2019 to the Department of Health Services for the rural private primary care provider loan repayment program for the same categories of healthcare providers.

Directs the Department of Health Services to consider providing additional education loan repayment assistance to behavioral health providers specifically.

Declares the legislature's intent to incentivize behavioral health providers to enter and remain in the profession and acknowledges that mental and behavioral health treatment access is part of addressing the opioid epidemic in Arizona.