HI HB1574

Formally codifies the Healthcare Education Loan Repayment Program within the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine, providing financial assistance to licensed healthcare professionals for loan repayment in exchange for practicing in Hawaii.

The legislature has appropriated $60,000,000 total for fiscal years 2024-2027 to fund the program, which has assisted 928 healthcare professionals with an average loan repayment of $49,000.

Establishes tiered service requirements for new awards beginning July 1, 2027: minimum two years for recipients receiving $1,000-$50,000, and minimum three years for recipients receiving $50,001 or more.

Average indebtedness varies by discipline: physicians ($179,400), physician assistants ($138,400), psychologists ($170,600), advanced practice registered nurses ($93,500), nurses ($41,300), and other healthcare professionals ($94,600).

Eligible healthcare professionals include physicians, physician assistants, advanced practice registered nurses, nurses, psychologists, dentists, and other allied healthcare providers licensed to practice in the State.