IL HB2676

Expands the definition of "eligible student" for healthcare workforce scholarships to include optometry students studying in Illinois, in addition to medical and chiropractic students already covered

Adds optometrists, ophthalmologists, and anesthesiologists to the list of healthcare providers eligible for scholarship programs requiring service in designated shortage areas

Expands the definition of "primary care physician" to include obstetricians, gynecologists, and ophthalmologists alongside general internists, family medicine physicians, and pediatricians

Updates the definition of "medical facility" to include rural health centers, federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), FQHC look-alikes, and optometric offices

Applies the same repayment penalty (3 times the annual grant amount plus 9% interest) to loan repayment recipients who fail to fulfill service obligations, with repayments deposited into the originating fund

Takes effect January 1, 2026