CA AB2539

Temporarily lowers patient population thresholds for the Steven M. Thompson Physician Corps Loan Repayment Program from January 1, 2019 through January 1, 2021 for new enrollees, reducing requirements to 30% underserved patients in rural areas and 50% in non-rural areas (down from 50% statewide).

Thresholds revert to 50% underserved patients statewide for all participants beginning January 1, 2021.

Requires the Health Professions Education Foundation to conduct a study measuring the effect of the reduced thresholds on loan repayment funding during 2019 and 2020, with reports due by March 1, 2020 and March 1, 2021.

Study reports must include practice setting locations, patient population data disaggregated by area type, and number and amount of awards granted, comparing 2019-2020 data to 2017-2018 baseline data.

Appropriates $120,000 from the General Fund to the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development for regulations, technical assistance, and study preparation.