§ 23-14.1-5. Duties of the board. The board shall:

(1) Determine which areas of the state shall be eligible to participate in the loan repayment program each year, based on health professional shortage area designations.

(2) Receive and consider all applications for loan repayment made by eligible health professionals.

(3) Conduct a careful and full investigation of the ability, character, financial needs, and qualifications of each applicant.

(4) Consider the intent of the applicant to practice in a health professional shortage area and to adhere to all the requirements for participation in the loan repayment program.

(5) Submit to the commissioner a list of those individuals eligible for loan repayment and amount of loan repayment to be granted.

(6) Promulgate rules and regulations to ensure an effective implementation and administration of the program.

(7) Within ninety (90) days after the end of each fiscal year, the board shall approve and submit an annual report to the governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, the president of the senate, and the secretary of state, of its activities during that fiscal year. The report shall provide: an operating statement summarizing meetings or hearings held, including meeting minutes, subjects addressed, decisions rendered, applications considered and their disposition, rules or regulations promulgated, studies conducted, polices and plans developed, approved, or modified, and programs administered or initiated; a consolidated financial statement of all funds received and expended including the source of the funds, a listing of any staff supported by these funds, and a summary of any clerical, administrative or technical support received; a summary of performance during the previous fiscal year including accomplishments, shortcomings and remedies; a synopsis of hearings, complaints, suspensions, or other legal matters related to the committee; a summary of any training courses held pursuant to this chapter; a briefing on anticipated activities in the upcoming fiscal year, and findings and recommendations for improvements. The report shall be posted electronically on the websites of the general assembly and the secretary of state pursuant to the provisions of § 42-20-8.2. The director of the department of administration shall be responsible for the enforcement of the provisions of this subsection.

(8) Conduct a training course for newly appointed and qualified members within six (6) months of their qualification or designation. The course shall be developed by the chair of the board, be approved by the board, and be conducted by the chair of the board. The board may approve the use of any board and/or staff members and/or individuals to assist with training. The training course shall include instruction in the following areas: the provisions of chapter 46 of title 42, chapter 14 of title 36, chapter 2 of title 38; and the board's rules and regulations. The director of the department of administration shall, within ninety (90) days of June 16, 2006, prepare and disseminate training materials relating to the provisions of chapter 46 of title 42, chapter 14 of title 36, chapter 2 of title 38.

History of Section. (P.L. 1993, ch. 191, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 103, § 2; P.L. 2006, ch. 144, § 2; P.L. 2008, ch. 475, § 46; P.L. 2015, ch. 141, art. 7, § 11.)