ID H0178

Increases the maximum amount of educational debt repayments that a rural physician may receive from an unspecified amount to $5,100,000 over a four (4) year period.

Requires the review board to consider the value of retaining an appropriate balance in the physician incentive fund for use in future years when determining awards in any given year.

Maintains that award amounts shall be established annually based on recommendations from the joint health care access and physician incentive grant review board, considering funding availability, number of new applicants, and hours devoted to primary care in eligible areas.

Clarifies that individual grant awards to governmental and nonprofit entities remain limited to $35,000 per year, with projects funded for up to three years subject to appropriation and grantee performance.

Specifies that award payments are not guaranteed in subsequent years and may be increased or reduced based on annual determinations.