For the purposes of this article, the following words shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

1. (1) AREA OF CRITICAL NEED. An area with a critical need for more physician’s assistants, as determined by the board, where participants may work to repay loans received under the program.
2. (2) BOARD. The Alabama Board of Medical Scholarship Awards created in Section 16-47-121.
3. (3) PARTICIPANT. Any person awarded a loan under the program.
4. (4) PROGRAM. The Alabama Physician’s Assistants Service Program.

(Act 2016-318, §1.)