IL SB1691

Creates the Safety-Net Hospital Service Loan Forgiveness Program Fund within the State treasury to support loan repayment for physicians and medical residents serving at safety-net hospitals.

Establishes a loan repayment program administered by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services offering annual disbursements equivalent to 35% of average educational debt for qualifying physicians and medical residents in family practice, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, or psychiatry.

Requires program participants to sign a contract committing to a minimum 3-year full-time service obligation at a safety-net hospital and submit annual confirmation of practice forms verifying compliance.

Mandates repayment of all disbursements plus interest if a participant fails to fulfill the minimum service commitment, with exceptions allowed for emergency circumstances; collected funds return to the program fund.

Directs the Department to prioritize applicants demonstrating diverse cultural competencies when selecting program participants based on their suitability for safety-net hospital practice.