House Passes Medical Loan Forgiveness Initiative
The state House of Representatives approved legislation on June 26, 2007, that would forgive medical school loans for new doctors if they agree to practice Pennsylvania for at least 10 years.
House Bill 1093, which was strongly supported by the Pennsylvania Medical Society, would reimburse full-time physicians up to 100 percent of their loan at 10 percent per year for 10 years. Physicians practicing part time would be reimbursed in a similar fashion.
If physicians leave the state before that time, they must repay the assistance. To be eligible, physicians must be U.S. citizens and licensed to practice medicine in the commonwealth.
The bill would create the Physician Retention Loan Forgiveness Program at a cost of $13 million next year and $40 million annually, said the bill's sponsor, Rep. Josh Shapiro (D-Montgomery).
The bill passed the House by a vote of 191-9 and is now being considered by the Senate.
Last Updated: 8/1/2008