CHAPTER 10-C. ALLIED HEALTH

PROFESSIONALS SCHOLARSHIPS

§1151. Hospitals of hospital service districts and other political subdivisions; allied health profession scholarship program; establishment, administration; funding

A. The governing authority of each hospital owned by a hospital service district or other political subdivision of the state, hereinafter referred to as the "board" or the "board of commissioners", may establish and administer a scholarship program for the purpose of increasing the educational opportunities available to students who will work in allied health professions in areas where there is a shortage of such professionals. Each board which establishes such a program may award scholarships to residents or former residents of the area who otherwise qualify, who are admitted or enrolled in an accredited school for training in an allied health profession located in the United States, or who are engaged in internship, residency, or similar programs within the United States, and who contract to work in allied health professions in the area, as provided in this Chapter. Each scholarship shall be awarded for the purpose of defraying the costs of tuition and other related expenses and costs for attendance at school or for internship, residency, or similar program. The board may, at any time and in its discretion, determine not to grant a scholarship under the program.

B. Any program established under the provisions of this Chapter shall be wholly funded by monies generated by the respective boards through their facilities, and upon the initiation of such a program, the program shall become a part of the annual hospital budget.

C. For the purpose of this Chapter, the term " allied health profession" means any generally recognized medical profession or vocation including, but not limited to respiratory, vocational, physical and other therapies; medical, radiologic, and other technologists; pharmacists, social workers, and other similar professions and vocations.

Acts 1991, No. 318, §1.