The following is model statutory language to establish a state loan forgiveness or tuition reimbursement program for allied health professionals including speech-language pathologists and audiologists. Typically, these types of incentive provisions are created to address critical shortages in various health care fields in the state and to maximize the availability of quality healthcare. The actual professions included in the statute will vary from state-to-state based upon specific deficits in critical personnel. To date, there are no state stand-alone programs for speech-language pathologists or audiologists in health care settings; typically, they are included under a more general provision for allied health professionals. The following model was based upon recently enacted Wyoming S.B. 47 (2006) as well as proposed 2006 legislation in Hawaii (S.B. 2618).
Please note that statutes may vary considerably from state-to-state in the format and detail required. This model may need to be modified significantly to meet individual state practices.
The State Department of Health is authorized to enter into agreements with allied health care providers licensed or certified to provide health care services in this state, including, but not limited to, audiology, speech-language pathology, [nursing, pharmacology, psychology, social work and dental hygiene] depending upon the current critical personnel needs in the state. The agreements shall: