HI SB735

Appropriates $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2017-2018 and $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2018-2019 to fund the Hawaii Health Corps Program under the John A. Burns School of Medicine.

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

Addresses shortages of primary health care providers in Hawaii, particularly in rural areas, which have been designated as medically underserved or health professional shortage areas by the federal government.

Builds on an existing pilot program that has supported at least sixteen physicians and nurse practitioners since September 1, 2012, with private donations and federal matching funds.

Takes effect on July 1, 2017, with funds to be expended by the University of Hawaii's John A. Burns School of Medicine.