(a) To be eligible for a direct incentive payment, an individual must

1. (1) submit an application that is approved by the commissioner;
2. (2) be engaged in qualified employment at an eligible site with a participating employer or entity;
3. (3) for a tier I or tier II health care professional, be licensed or exempt from licensure as a tier I or tier II health care professional in the state;
4. (4) meet a participation priority established by the commissioner; and
5. (5) satisfy other criteria established by the commissioner.

(b) To be eligible for student loan repayment, an individual must

1. (1) satisfy the requirements of (a) of this section; and
2. (2) have an unpaid balance on one or more eligible student loans verified by the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education or the department.