HI SB308

Appropriates $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2015-2016 and $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2016-2017 to the John A. Burns School of Medicine for the Hawaii Health Corps Loan Repayment Program.

Provides loan repayment assistance to physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, psychologists, and social workers who commit to work in federally designated health professional shortage areas or underserved areas of Hawaii.

Addresses healthcare provider shortages in Hawaii's rural and underserved communities by offsetting the financial burden of professional education debt.

Builds on an existing program started in 2012 with private donations and federal matching funds that has placed 16 physicians and nurse practitioners in shortage areas.

Takes effect July 1, 2015.