1. (a) The Department may exercise the following powers:

   1. (1) To make loan repayment and scholarship awards under the Repayment Program or Scholarship Program with the following priorities:

      1. (A) To increase the number of health care providers in MUAs.
      2. (B) To increase the number of behavioral health providers in MUAs.
      3. (C) To increase the number of accredited, eligible health care provider residencies within the State.
      4. (D) To increase the percentage of eligible health care providers establishing practice within the State upon completion of residency.
      5. (E) To promote greater diversity and community representation in Illinois' health care workforce.
   2. (2) To adopt rules necessary for the establishment and maintenance of the Repayment Program and Scholarship Program required under this Act.
2. (b) The Department shall share information about the application process for a scholarship or loan repayment under this Act prominently on the Department's website, as well as with Illinois-based health care training programs and institutions of higher education that offer associate, undergraduate, and graduate degree programs in health care.

(Source: P.A. 102-942, eff. 1-1-23.)