ND HB1115

Establishes a state behavioral health professional loan repayment program administered by the state health council to increase behavioral health professionals practicing in North Dakota communities with defined needs.

Provides loan repayment up to $90,000 for clinical psychologists and up to $60,000 for licensed social workers, professional counselors, addiction counselors, nurses, and registered nurses, paid over a two-year period.

Eligible recipients must graduate from accredited programs in the United States or Canada, be licensed or registered in North Dakota, and commit to a minimum two-year service obligation in a community with behavioral health professional shortage.

Recipients who breach the contract are liable for twice the uncredited loan repayment amount on a prorated monthly basis, payable within one year; recipients may be released without penalty upon contract completion, permanent disability, death, or demonstrated extreme hardship.

Loan repayment begins only after six months of full-time practice in a selected community and must be distributed by the end of the fiscal year in which service obligations are completed.