MI SB0648

Establishes an Essential Health Provider Repayment Program administered by the department to repay education debt or expenses for designated health professionals (physicians, dentists, nurses, physician's assistants) who commit to full-time practice in health resource shortage areas.

Requires participants to enter written contracts obligating them to provide health care services in assigned shortage areas for a period equal to years of repayment assistance or 2 years, whichever is greater.

Sets maximum annual debt repayment at $40,000 per year with a lifetime cap of $200,000 paid over 4 or more years per professional.

Restricts physician recruitment to those qualified or training in 8 designated specialties: general practice, family practice, obstetrics, pediatrics, emergency medicine, internal medicine, preventive medicine, and psychiatry, with preference given to primary care specialties.

Allows the department discretion to make pro rata payments to professionals or estates if death, permanent disability, or other compelling circumstances occur before service obligation completion.