WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 3062

AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- HEALTH PROFESSIONAL LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Frank Ciccone and 5 co-sponsors

Rhode Island expands a loan repayment program to recruit and retain health professionals in underserved areas and primary care, with two-year service commitments and sustained stat

06/04/2026 Referred to House Finance
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 3062

Summary of SB 3062 (Rhode Island, 2026)

Purpose and intent

  • The bill amends the Health Professional Loan Repayment Program in Rhode Island to expand eligibility and strengthen incentives for health professionals to practice in underserved and primary care settings.
  • It aims to improve access to quality health care for medically underserved populations by increasing recruitment and retention of physicians, dentists, dental hygienists, nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives, physician assistants, and other eligible professionals.

Key provisions and changes

  • Expanded eligibility and scope (Section 23-14.1-3):

    • Establishes and administers a loan repayment program within the Department of Health.
    • Targets recruitment and retention of health professionals serving underserved populations in designated shortages areas and/or those committed to primary care in Rhode Island.
    • Eligible participants include physicians, dentists, dental hygienists, nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives, physician assistants, and other eligible professionals under applicable federal law.

  • Board duties and governance (Section 23-14.1-5):

    • The Health Professional Loan Repayment Board will:
    • Designate eligible shortage areas and primary care provider shortage areas for each year.
    • Accept and review applications, conduct investigations of applicants, and assess their ability, financial need, and qualifications.
    • Evaluate applicants’ intent to serve in shortage areas or provide primary care.
    • Compile and submit annual lists of eligible recipients and loan repayment amounts to the program director.
    • Promulgate rules for effective program administration.
    • Submit an annual, public report detailing finances, activities, performance, training, and upcoming plans.
    • Provide training for new board members within six months of appointment.

  • Loan repayment conditions (Section 23-14.1-7):

    • Recipients must apply for appropriate Rhode Island licensure or registration as applicable (e.g., physician, dentist, NP, PA, CNM, etc.) at the earliest practicable opportunity.
    • Recipients must accept all patients and all forms of insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid, as full payment.
    • Those serving in underserved areas must commit to full-time practice for a minimum of two years to be eligible.
    • Those providing primary care in Rhode Island may fulfill the obligation with two years of full-time or part-time service (part-time defined as 24 hours per week; prorated for the remaining duration).

  • Appropriations and funding (Section 23-14.1-11):

    • Initial appropriation of $100,000 to a restricted receipt account for program implementation (drawn from the Governor’s RIte Track/children’s health initiative funds, and limited to loan repayment activities).
    • For fiscal year 2027-2028 and thereafter, the General Assembly shall appropriate no less than $500,000 annually to fund the program, deposited in the restricted receipt account upon proper vouchers.
    • Implementation contingent on these resources being available.

Who is affected

  • Eligible health professionals (physicians, dentists, dental hygienists, nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives, physician assistants, and other eligible professionals) who intend to practice in Rhode Island’s underserved areas or in primary care settings.
  • Health care facilities serving underserved populations, including community health centers, that may participate in or be affected by the program’s allocation and recruitment efforts.
  • State agencies (Department of Health, Health Professional Loan Repayment Board) responsible for program administration, reporting, and oversight.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective date: Takes effect upon passage.
  • Annual process: Board designates eligible areas, reviews applications, and publishes a comprehensive annual report by a specified annual deadline.
  • Ongoing funding: Requires annual appropriations starting at no less than $500,000 from FY 2027-2028 onward to sustain program operations.

Overall impact

  • The bill institutionalizes and expands a loan repayment program to address provider shortages by incentivizing qualified health professionals to practice in primary care and underserved settings in Rhode Island.
  • It emphasizes licensure readiness, guaranteed patient access, and a two-year service commitment in targeted areas, supported by dedicated state funding and transparent program governance.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.