1. A. In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated.

2. B. Terms Defined.

   1. (1) “Department” means the Maryland Department of Health.
   2. (2) “Education loan” has the meaning stated in Health-General Article, §24-1701, Annotated Code of Maryland. ​
   3. (3) “Eligible field of employment” has the meaning stated in Health-General Article, §24–1704, Annotated Code of Maryland.
   4. (4) “Full-time” means an individual’s work week consists of 40 or more hours at an eligible practice site.
   5. (5) “Guidelines” means the Maryland Loan Repayment Programs Guidelines and any subregulatory guidance established by the Department.
   6. (6) “Medical resident” means an individual who has completed medical school and is participating in a post-graduate residency education program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, or its successor, or the American Osteopathic Association, or its successor, who is not licensed to practice medicine in the State.
   7. (7) “Participant” means an individual who has been offered a Program award and is under a service obligation with the Program.
   8. (8) “Part-time” means an individual’s work week consists of between 20 to 39 hours at an eligible practice site.
   9. (9) “Physician” has the meaning stated in Health-Occupations Article, §14-101, Annotated Code of Maryland, who practices medicine either full-time or part-time.
   10. (10) “Physician assistant” has the meaning stated in Health-Occupations Article, §15-101, Annotated Code of Maryland, who practices full-time or part-time.
   11. (11) “Practice site” means a site where a participant provides clinical services and fulfills their service obligation.
   12. (12) “Primary care” has the meaning stated in Health-General Article, §24-1701, Annotated Code of Maryland.
   13. (13) “Program” means the Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Physicians and Physician Assistants.
   14. (14) “Promissory Note” means a contractual agreement between a participant and the Department describing disbursement methods, participant roles and responsibilities, compliance penalties, and other terms as determined by the Department.
   15. (15) “Service Obligation Agreement” means a contractual agreement between a participant and the Department specifying participant service obligations, total and annual Program award amounts, required data and verifications, penalties for breach, and other terms as determined by the Department.

Authority: Health-General Article, §24–1701—24-1708, ; and Health Occupations Article, §§14–207 and 15–206(c), Annotated Code of Maryland

Effective date: March 2, 2026 (53:4 Md. R. 184)