HI SB1078

Appropriates funds from general revenues to the Hawaii Department of Health for the Hawaii rural health care provider loan repayment program administered through the John A. Burns School of Medicine at the University of Hawaii at Manoa for fiscal year 2017-2018.

Provides loan repayment assistance to physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners who commit to working in federally-designated health professional shortage areas or areas of Hawaii determined to be underserved.

Requires that state appropriated funds be matched on a dollar-for-dollar basis by funds from private or other public sources before expenditure.

Addresses shortages of primary health care providers in rural and underserved areas of Hawaii by reducing the financial burden of student loan repayment for health professionals willing to serve in these communities.

Takes effect on July 1, 2017.