1. (a) The Commission shall, on an annual basis, receive and consider applications for grant assistance under the program. An applicant is eligible for a grant under the program if the Commission finds that the applicant:

   1. (1) is a United States citizen or permanent resident;
   2. (2) is a resident of Illinois;
   3. (3) is working as a physician, certified nurse practitioner, registered professional nurse, certified nursing assistant, or licensed practical nurse in a State veterans' home;
   4. (4) is a borrower with an outstanding balance due on an educational loan; and
   5. (5) has not defaulted on an educational loan.
2. (b) Preference may be given to previous recipients of a grant under the program, provided that the recipient continues to meet the eligibility requirements set forth in this Section.
3. (c) For each year during which an individual receives a grant under this program, he or she must fulfill a separate 12-month period as a physician, certified nurse practitioner, registered professional nurse, certified nursing assistant, or licensed practical nurse in a State veterans' home.

(Source: P.A. 99-813, eff. 8-15-16.)