La. Admin. Code tit. 48 § V-13315

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 9, September 20, 2024

Section V-13315 - Rural Health Scholars Program

A. Contingent upon available funding, the Louisiana Department of Health may establish a Rural Health Scholars Program pursuant to R.S. 40:1205.3. The Rural Health Scholars Program encourages health professions students to practice in Louisiana's Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) by building partnerships between rural and underserved healthcare facilities and colleges and universities. The program will pay stipends to eligible and selected students and their eligible schools as set forth in this Section. LDH may establish one or more application cycles at any state fiscal year. At the beginning of any application cycle, notice of application cycle will be publicized through electronic methods (email, newsletter, or on the LDH website: https://wellaheadla.com).

B. Eligibility Criteria for Students. Students are eligible for the program if they are currently enrolled in one of the following healthcare profession programs:

1. MD/DO physicians (family or general practice, internal medicine, obstetrics/gynecology and pediatrics);

2. DDS/DMD (general and pediatric dentistry);

3. NP (nurse practitioner);

4. PA (physician assistant); or

5. RDH (registered dental hygienist).

C. Student service requirements are as follows:

1. must complete, during the term of the written agreement required by this Section, a 180-hour rotation in a rural healthcare facility that meets the eligible practice site criteria set forth in this Section;

2. must participate in an on-line seminar (assigned by LDH) that details health disparities, discusses health equity, and provide information on chronic disease prevention efforts in rural Louisiana;

3. must submit an experience essay detailing their experience in the healthcare facility; and

4. must participate in a pre and post survey following the completion of the program.

D. Criteria for Eligible Practice Sites. Eligible practice sites must:

1. be located in a federally designated HPSA;

2. accept reimbursement from Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), utilize a sliding fee scale, and see all patients regardless of their ability to pay; and

3. must provide discounts for individuals with limited incomes (i.e. use a sliding fee scale).

E. Criteria for eligible universities/schools of higher education:

1. accredited medical program at an in-state university or school of higher education;

2. ability to provide healthcare facilities with preceptor roles, responsibilities, and mandatory qualifications;

3. ability to mentor/work directly with students;

4. ensure that students meet standards for immunization, CPR, liability insurance, background, drug testing, etc. prior to beginning their rotations;

5. facilitate open communication between the college/university and each healthcare facility; and

6. ensure the student's clinical rotation aligns with college/university goals.

F. Award Amounts. LDH shall enter into mandatory written agreements with the chosen healthcare facility, university/school of higher education, and student. Students who fulfill all requirements of this Section will receive a stipend not to exceed $6,000 and an additional $2,000 toward living expenses for a total of $8,000 for the entirety of the agreement. The hosting healthcare facility will receive a maximum of $5,000 per each student participant hosted. Each university/school of higher education will receive $5,000 for program participation. Number of students selected and stipend amounts may vary depending on funding.

G. Student Application/Selection. All applications and scores will be compiled and presented to program leadership. Program leadership will have five business days to make a final selection. Applicants who apply will be notified of acceptance or denial within five business days of final selection. In the event of a tie, equal distribution of students from universities will be made.

La. Admin. Code tit. 48, § V-13315

Promulgated by the Department of Health, Office of Public Health, LR 49, Amended LR 491744 (10/1/2023).

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 40:1205.1 et seq.