1. (a) In addition to the assistance provided under § 24-1704 of this subtitle, the Department may, subject to the availability of money in the Fund, assist in the repayment of an education loan owed by a physician or physician assistant who:

   1. (1) Practices a medical specialty that has been identified by the Department as being in shortage in the geographic area of the State where the physician or physician assistant practices that specialty; and
   2. (2) Commits to practicing in the area for a period of time determined by the Department.

2. (b) The Department shall prioritize funding for the repayment of education loans through the Program in the following order:

   1. (1) Physicians and physician assistants that meet the requirements under § 24-1704(b) of this subtitle;
   2. (2) Physicians and physician assistants practicing primary care in a geographic area where the Department has identified a shortage of primary care physicians or physician assistants; and
   3. (3) Physicians and physician assistants practicing a medical specialty other than primary care in a geographic area where the Department has identified a shortage of that specialty.

Added as Education § 18-2805 by Acts 2009, c. 575, § 1, eff. July 1, 2009; Acts 2009, c. 576, § 1, eff. July 1, 2009. Amended by Acts 2014, c. 99, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2014. Transferred to Health--General § 24-1705 by Acts 2020, c. 402, § 1, eff. July 1, 2020, Acts 2020, c. 403, § 1, eff. July 1, 2020. Amended by Acts 2020, c. 402, § 2, eff. July 1, 2020; Acts 2020, c. 403, § 2, eff. July 1, 2020.