reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter D. Outstanding Rural Scholar Recognition and Loan Program for Rural Health Care › Section 487.103. Selection Committee

Sec. 487.103.  SELECTION COMMITTEE.  (a)  The selection committee shall advise the department on the progress of the program.
(b)  The selection committee is composed of 12 members appointed by the commissioner.
(c)  The commissioner shall consider geographical representation in making appointments to the selection committee.
(d)  Selection committee members serve for staggered three-year terms, with the terms of four members expiring August 31 of each year.  A member is eligible for reappointment to consecutive terms.
(e)  A member of the selection committee is not entitled to reimbursement for expenses incurred in performing duties under this subchapter.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1424, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1241 (H.B. 2542), Sec. 17, eff. June 15, 2007.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 148 (H.B. 1493), Sec. 8, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter D. Outstanding Rural Scholar Recognition and Loan Program for Rural Health Care › Section 487.104. Selection of Outstanding Rural Scholars

Sec. 487.104.  SELECTION OF OUTSTANDING RURAL SCHOLARS.  (a)  The selection committee shall select outstanding rural scholars through a statewide competition.
(b)  The selection committee shall make selections based on criteria approved by the department and adopted as a rule of the department.
(c)  The selection committee may not use the applicant's performance on a standardized test as the sole criterion to determine the applicant's selection as an outstanding rural scholar.
(d)  The selection committee shall recommend to the department guidelines to be used by rural communities in the selection of students for nomination and sponsorship as outstanding rural scholars.
(e)  An outstanding rural scholar receives public recognition and a certificate of award and is eligible for a forgivable loan under this subchapter.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1424, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1241 (H.B. 2542), Sec. 18, eff. June 15, 2007.
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 112 (H.B. 1918), Sec. 32, eff. September 1, 2009.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 148 (H.B. 1493), Sec. 9, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter D. Outstanding Rural Scholar Recognition and Loan Program for Rural Health Care › Section 487.105. Eligibility for Outstanding Rural Scholar Competition

Sec. 487.105.  ELIGIBILITY FOR OUTSTANDING RURAL SCHOLAR COMPETITION.  (a)  To be eligible to participate in the competition under Section 487.104, a high school student or an undergraduate student at a postsecondary educational institution must:
(1)  be nominated and sponsored by a rural community, which sponsorship must include financial support;
(2)  be a Texas resident under Subchapter B, Chapter 54, Education Code;
(3)  if the person is a high school student, be in the upper 25 percent of the student's high school class, if the class contains 48 or more students, and intend to enter a postsecondary educational institution;  and
(4)  if the person is an undergraduate student, be in the upper 25 percent of the student's class or have a cumulative grade average that is equal to or greater than the equivalent of a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and be enrolled in a postsecondary educational institution.
(b)  If a person is neither a high school student nor an undergraduate student, the person must be eligible for participation in the competition under rules adopted by the department.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1424, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 112 (H.B. 1918), Sec. 33, eff. September 1, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter D. Outstanding Rural Scholar Recognition and Loan Program for Rural Health Care › Section 487.106. Eligibility for Loans; Rural Community Financial Support

Sec. 487.106.  ELIGIBILITY FOR LOANS;  RURAL COMMUNITY FINANCIAL SUPPORT.  (a)  For an outstanding rural scholar to be eligible for a forgivable loan, community sponsorship must include financial support.
(b)  Community financial support consists of a commitment to fund 50 percent of the costs of a scholar's tuition, fees, educational materials, and living expenses.
(c)  The financial support under this section may be satisfied wholly or partly by a grant, a scholarship, or private foundation support.
(d)  Evidence of the financial support must be submitted with a community's nomination.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1424, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter D. Outstanding Rural Scholar Recognition and Loan Program for Rural Health Care › Section 487.107. Awarding of Loans

Sec. 487.107.  AWARDING OF LOANS.  (a)  The selection committee shall recommend to the department guidelines for the awarding of forgivable loans to outstanding rural scholars.
(b)  The department, acting on the advice of the selection committee, shall award forgivable loans to outstanding rural scholars based on the availability of money in the fund.
(c)  If in any year the fund is inadequate to provide loans to all eligible applicants, the department shall award forgivable loans on a priority basis according to the applicants' academic performance, test scores, and other criteria of eligibility.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1424, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1241 (H.B. 2542), Sec. 19, eff. June 15, 2007.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 148 (H.B. 1493), Sec. 10, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter D. Outstanding Rural Scholar Recognition and Loan Program for Rural Health Care › Section 487.108. Amount of Loan

Sec. 487.108.  AMOUNT OF LOAN.  (a)  On confirmation of an outstanding rural scholar's admission to a postsecondary educational institution, or on receipt of an enrollment report of the scholar at a postsecondary educational institution, and a certification of the amount of financial support needed, the selection committee annually shall recommend to the department that the department award a forgivable loan to the scholar in the amount of 50 percent of the cost of the scholar's tuition, fees, educational materials, and living expenses.
(b)  An outstanding rural scholar may receive another grant, loan, or scholarship for which the scholar is eligible in addition to the receipt of a forgivable loan, except that the total amount of funds received may not exceed the reasonable needs of the scholar.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1424, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1241 (H.B. 2542), Sec. 20, eff. June 15, 2007.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 148 (H.B. 1493), Sec. 11, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter D. Outstanding Rural Scholar Recognition and Loan Program for Rural Health Care › Section 487.109. Loan Forgiveness

Sec. 487.109.  LOAN FORGIVENESS.  (a)  The principal balance and interest for one year of a forgivable loan awarded to an outstanding rural scholar must be forgiven for each year the scholar practices as a health care professional in the sponsoring community.
(b)  The sponsoring community shall report to the department the length of time the scholar practices as a health care professional in the community.
(c)  If the department finds that a sponsoring community is not in need of the scholar's services and that the community is willing to forgive repayment of the principal balance and interest of the scholar's loan, the department by rule may provide for the principal balance and interest of one year of the scholar's loan to be forgiven for each year the scholar practices in another rural community in this state.
(d)  Any amount of loan principal or interest that is not forgiven under this section shall be repaid to the department with reasonable collection fees in a timely manner as provided by department rule.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1424, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1241 (H.B. 2542), Sec. 21, eff. June 15, 2007.
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 112 (H.B. 1918), Sec. 34, eff. September 1, 2009.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 148 (H.B. 1493), Sec. 12, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter D. Outstanding Rural Scholar Recognition and Loan Program for Rural Health Care › Section 487.110. Fund

Sec. 487.110.  FUND.  (a)  The outstanding rural scholar fund is in the state treasury.
(b)  The fund consists of legislative appropriations, gifts, grants, donations, the market value of in-kind contributions, and principal and interest payments on forgivable loans deposited to the credit of the fund by the department.
(c)  The department shall administer the fund.
(d)  The department shall allocate the fund, as available, for forgivable loans under this subchapter.
(e)  The department shall deposit any principal and interest payments on forgivable loans to the credit of the fund.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1424, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 112 (H.B. 1918), Sec. 35, eff. September 1, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter D. Outstanding Rural Scholar Recognition and Loan Program for Rural Health Care › Section 487.111. Postsecondary Educational Institutions; Monitoring

Sec. 487.111.  POSTSECONDARY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS;  MONITORING.  (a)  A postsecondary educational institution shall provide to the selection committee a copy of the academic transcript of each rural scholar for whom the institution has received a release that complies with state and federal open records laws and authorizes the provision of a transcript.
(b)  The department shall require reports from students and postsecondary educational institutions as needed to monitor the program.  After receiving any necessary releases as a condition of providing assistance, the department shall distribute reports relating to the progress of an outstanding rural scholar to the community sponsoring the scholar.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1424, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 112 (H.B. 1918), Sec. 36, eff. September 1, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter D. Outstanding Rural Scholar Recognition and Loan Program for Rural Health Care › Section 487.112. Adoption and Distribution of Rules

Sec. 487.112.  ADOPTION AND DISTRIBUTION OF RULES.  (a)  The department shall adopt reasonable rules to enforce the requirements, conditions, and limitations under this subchapter.
(b)  The department shall set the rate of interest charged on a forgivable loan under this subchapter.
(c)  The department shall adopt rules necessary to ensure compliance with the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. Section 2000a et seq.) concerning nondiscrimination in admissions.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1424, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1241 (H.B. 2542), Sec. 22, eff. June 15, 2007.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 148 (H.B. 1493), Sec. 13, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter E. Health Careers Promotion and Education Program › Section 487.151. Definitions

Sec. 487.151.  DEFINITIONS.  In this subchapter:
(1)  "Fund" means the health careers education fund.
(2)  "Postsecondary educational institution" means:
(A)  an institution of higher education, as defined by Section 61.003, Education Code;
(B)  a nonprofit, independent institution approved under Section 61.222, Education Code; or
(C)  a nonprofit, health-related school or program accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the Liaison Committee on Medical Education, the American Osteopathic Association, the Texas Board of Nursing, or, in the case of allied health, an accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education.
(3)  "Program" means the health careers promotion and education program.
(4)  "Qualified area" means an area qualifying under the National Health Services Corps Community Scholarship Program or an area with similar characteristics as identified by the department.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1424, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.  Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 553, Sec. 2.005, eff. Feb. 1, 2004.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 889 (H.B. 2426), Sec. 57, eff. September 1, 2007.
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 112 (H.B. 1918), Sec. 37, eff. September 1, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter E. Health Careers Promotion and Education Program › Section 487.152. Administration

Sec. 487.152.  ADMINISTRATION.  (a)  Subject to available funding, the department shall administer or contract for the administration of the program.
(b)  The department may solicit and accept gifts, grants, donations, and contributions to support the program.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1424, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 112 (H.B. 1918), Sec. 38, eff. September 1, 2009.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 148 (H.B. 1493), Sec. 14, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter E. Health Careers Promotion and Education Program › Section 487.153. Health Careers Promotion

Sec. 487.153.  HEALTH CAREERS PROMOTION.  The department may establish a program to work with students, communities, and community-based organizations to encourage high school students to pursue health care professional careers.  The department shall give priority to working with communities and students in qualified areas.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1424, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 112 (H.B. 1918), Sec. 39, eff. September 1, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter E. Health Careers Promotion and Education Program › Section 487.154. Loans

Sec. 487.154.  LOANS.  (a)  The department may award forgivable educational loans to eligible students under this subchapter.
(b)  The department may award forgivable loans to eligible students based on the availability of money in the fund.
(c)  If in any year the fund is inadequate to provide loans to all eligible students, the department may award forgivable loans on a priority basis according to the students' academic performance, test scores, and other criteria of eligibility.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1424, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1241 (H.B. 2542), Sec. 23, eff. June 15, 2007.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 148 (H.B. 1493), Sec. 15, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter E. Health Careers Promotion and Education Program › Section 487.155. Student Eligibility

Sec. 487.155.  STUDENT ELIGIBILITY.  (a)  To be eligible to receive a loan under this subchapter, a student must:
(1)  be sponsored by an eligible community;
(2)  at the time of the application for the loan, be enrolled in high school or enrolled or accepted for enrollment in a postsecondary educational institution in this state;
(3)  meet academic requirements as established by the department;
(4)  plan to complete a health care professional degree or certificate program;
(5)  plan to practice as a health care professional in a qualified area of the state; and
(6)  meet other requirements as established by the department.
(b)  Other requirements for eligibility for a loan under this subchapter must include:
(1)  one or more interviews with the student;  and
(2)  a statement written by the student of the student's reasons for:
(A)  entering the health care profession;  and
(B)  wanting to provide health care services to a qualified area in this state.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1424, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1241 (H.B. 2542), Sec. 24, eff. June 15, 2007.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 148 (H.B. 1493), Sec. 16, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter E. Health Careers Promotion and Education Program › Section 487.156. Community Eligibility

Sec. 487.156.  COMMUNITY ELIGIBILITY.  (a)  To be eligible to sponsor a student under this subchapter, a community must:
(1)  be located in a qualified area in this state;  and
(2)  provide evidence of community sponsorship of the student.
(b)  Community sponsorship consists of:
(1)  a commitment to pay for a percentage of the student's postsecondary educational expenses, including tuition, fees, educational materials, and living expenses;  and
(2)  a commitment to employ the student on a full-time basis as a health care professional on the student's completion of the academic program and licensure or certification in the health care profession for which the student is sponsored.
(c)  The department shall determine the percentage of educational expenses communities are required to provide under this section.
(d)  Community financial support may be satisfied wholly or partly by a grant, a scholarship, or private foundation support.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1424, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1241 (H.B. 2542), Sec. 25, eff. June 15, 2007.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 148 (H.B. 1493), Sec. 17, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter E. Health Careers Promotion and Education Program › Section 487.157. Amount of Loan

Sec. 487.157.  AMOUNT OF LOAN.  (a)  On confirmation of an eligible student's admission to a postsecondary educational institution, or on receipt of an enrollment report of the student at a postsecondary educational institution, and certification of the amount of financial support needed, the department may award a forgivable loan to the student in the amount of not more than the cost of the student's tuition, fees, educational materials, and living expenses.
(b)  An eligible student may receive another grant, loan, or scholarship for which the student is eligible in addition to the receipt of a forgivable loan, except that the total amount of funds received may not exceed the reasonable needs of the student as determined by the postsecondary educational institution in which the student is enrolled.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1424, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1241 (H.B. 2542), Sec. 26, eff. June 15, 2007.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 148 (H.B. 1493), Sec. 18, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter E. Health Careers Promotion and Education Program › Section 487.158. Required Contract

Sec. 487.158.  REQUIRED CONTRACT.  (a)  A student may receive assistance under this subchapter only if the student signs a contract agreeing to provide health care services to the sponsoring community on completion of the academic program and licensure or certification in the health care profession for which the student is sponsored.
(b)  The contract must provide that if the student does not provide the required services to the community or provides those services for less than the required time, the student is personally liable to the state for:
(1)  the total amount of assistance the student receives from the department and the sponsoring community;
(2)  interest on the total amount at a rate set by the department; and
(3)  the state's reasonable expenses incurred in obtaining payment, including reasonable attorney's fees.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1424, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1241 (H.B. 2542), Sec. 27, eff. June 15, 2007.
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 112 (H.B. 1918), Sec. 40, eff. September 1, 2009.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 148 (H.B. 1493), Sec. 19, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter E. Health Careers Promotion and Education Program › Section 487.159. Loan Forgiveness

Sec. 487.159.  LOAN FORGIVENESS.  (a)  A loan recipient shall be forgiven the principal and interest of one year's loan for each year the recipient practices as a health care professional providing health care services in the sponsoring community, but only if the loan recipient practices as a health care professional providing health care services in the sponsoring community or in another qualified area under Subsection (b) for a minimum of two years.
(b)  If the department finds that a sponsoring community is not in need of the student's services and that the community is willing to forgive repayment of the principal balance and interest of the student's loan, the department by rule may provide for the principal balance and interest of the student's loan to be forgiven if the student provides services in another qualified area in this state.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1424, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1241 (H.B. 2542), Sec. 28, eff. June 15, 2007.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 148 (H.B. 1493), Sec. 20, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter E. Health Careers Promotion and Education Program › Section 487.160. Fund

Sec. 487.160.  FUND.  (a)  The health careers education fund is established in the state treasury.
(b)  The department shall administer the fund.
(c)  The fund consists of gifts, grants, donations, the market value of in-kind contributions, and principal and interest payments on forgivable loans deposited to the credit of the fund by the department.
(d)  The department shall deposit any principal and interest payments on forgivable loans to the credit of the fund.
(e)  The department shall allocate the fund, as available, for forgivable loans and community repayment under this subchapter.
(f)  Unless otherwise provided by the General Appropriations Act, the department may use money appropriated to the department to support the fund.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1424, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 112 (H.B. 1918), Sec. 41, eff. September 1, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter E. Health Careers Promotion and Education Program › Section 487.161. Reporting; Monitoring

Sec. 487.161.  REPORTING;  MONITORING.  (a)  The department shall require reports from students, communities, and postsecondary educational institutions as needed to monitor the program.  After receiving any necessary releases as a condition of providing assistance, the department shall distribute reports relating to the progress of a student to the community sponsoring the student.
(b)  The sponsoring community shall report to the office the length of time the student provides health care services in the community in accordance with the guidelines established by the department.
(c)  A postsecondary educational institution shall provide to the office a copy of the academic transcript of each student for whom the institution has received a release that complies with state and federal open records laws and that authorizes the provision of the transcript.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1424, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1241 (H.B. 2542), Sec. 29, eff. June 15, 2007.
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 112 (H.B. 1918), Sec. 42, eff. September 1, 2009.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 148 (H.B. 1493), Sec. 21, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter E. Health Careers Promotion and Education Program › Section 487.162. Program Promotion

Sec. 487.162.  PROGRAM PROMOTION.  The department shall provide postsecondary educational institutions and communities in qualified areas with information about health care careers and loan opportunities, including information on eligibility and availability of funds under this subchapter.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1424, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 112 (H.B. 1918), Sec. 43, eff. September 1, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter E. Health Careers Promotion and Education Program › Section 487.163. Adoption of Rules

Sec. 487.163.  ADOPTION OF RULES.  (a)  The department shall adopt reasonable rules to enforce the requirements, conditions, and limitations of this subchapter.
(b)  The department shall set the rate of interest charged on a forgivable loan under this subchapter.
(c)  The department shall adopt rules necessary to ensure compliance with the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. Section 2000a et seq.) concerning nondiscrimination in admissions.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1424, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1241 (H.B. 2542), Sec. 30, eff. June 15, 2007.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 148 (H.B. 1493), Sec. 22, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter F. Medically Underserved Community-State Matching Incentive Program › Section 487.201. Definitions

Sec. 487.201.  DEFINITIONS.  In this subchapter:
(1)  "Medically underserved community" means:
(A)  a community located in an area in this state with a medically underserved population;
(B)  a community located in an area in this state designated by the United States secretary of health and human services as an area with a shortage of personal health services;
(C)  a population group designated by the United States secretary of health and human services as having a shortage of personal health services;
(D)  a community designated under state or federal law as a medically underserved community; or
(E)  a community that the department considers to be medically underserved based on relevant demographic, geographic, and environmental factors.
(2)  "Physician" means a person licensed to practice medicine in this state.
(3)  "Primary care" means physician services in family practice, general practice, internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics, or gynecology.
(4)  "Start-up money" means a payment made by a medically underserved community for reasonable costs incurred by a physician to establish a medical office and ancillary facilities for diagnosing and treating patients.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1424, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 112 (H.B. 1918), Sec. 44, eff. September 1, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter F. Medically Underserved Community-State Matching Incentive Program › Section 487.202. Program

Sec. 487.202.  PROGRAM.  (a)  The department shall establish and administer a program under this subchapter to increase the number of physicians providing primary care in medically underserved communities.
(b)  A medically underserved community may sponsor a physician who has completed a primary care residency program and has agreed to provide primary care in the community by contributing start-up money for the physician and having that contribution matched wholly or partly by state money appropriated to the department for that purpose.
(c)  A participating medically underserved community may provide start-up money to an eligible physician over a two-year period.
(d)  The department may not pay more than $25,000 to a community in a fiscal year unless the office makes a specific finding of need by the community.
(e)  The office shall establish priorities so that the neediest communities eligible for assistance under this subchapter are assured the receipt of a grant.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1424, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1241 (H.B. 2542), Sec. 31, eff. June 15, 2007.
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 112 (H.B. 1918), Sec. 45, eff. September 1, 2009.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 148 (H.B. 1493), Sec. 23, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter F. Medically Underserved Community-State Matching Incentive Program › Section 487.203. Eligibility

Sec. 487.203.  ELIGIBILITY.  To be eligible to receive money from the department, a medically underserved community must:
(1)  apply for the money; and
(2)  provide evidence satisfactory to the office that it has entered into an agreement with a physician for the physician to provide primary care in the community for at least two years.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1424, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1241 (H.B. 2542), Sec. 31, eff. June 15, 2007.
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 112 (H.B. 1918), Sec. 46, eff. September 1, 2009.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 148 (H.B. 1493), Sec. 24, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter F. Medically Underserved Community-State Matching Incentive Program › Section 487.204. Rules

Sec. 487.204.  RULES.  The department shall adopt rules necessary for the administration of this subchapter, including rules addressing:
(1)  eligibility criteria for a medically underserved community;
(2)  eligibility criteria for a physician;
(3)  minimum and maximum community contributions to the start-up money for a physician to be matched with state money;
(4)  conditions under which state money must be repaid by a community or physician;
(5)  procedures for disbursement of money by the department;
(6)  the form and manner in which a community must make its contribution to the start-up money; and
(7)  the contents of an agreement to be entered into by the parties, which must include at least:
(A)  a credit check for an eligible physician; and
(B)  community retention of interest in any property, equipment, or durable goods for seven years.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1424, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1241 (H.B. 2542), Sec. 31, eff. June 15, 2007.
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 112 (H.B. 1918), Sec. 47, eff. September 1, 2009.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 148 (H.B. 1493), Sec. 24, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter G. Texas Health Service Corps Program for Medically Underserved Areas › Section 487.251. Definitions

Sec. 487.251.  DEFINITIONS.  In this subchapter:
(1)  "Medically underserved area" means an area designated by the United States secretary of health and human services as having:
(A)  a shortage of personal health services or a population group that has such a shortage as provided by 42 U.S.C. Section 300e-1(7);  or
(B)  a health professional shortage as provided by 42 U.S.C. Section 254e(a)(1).
(2)  "Physician" means a resident physician who is enrolled in an accredited residency training program in this state in the specialty of:
(A)  family practice;
(B)  general internal medicine;
(C)  general pediatric medicine;  or
(D)  general obstetrics and gynecology.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1424, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter G. Texas Health Service Corps Program for Medically Underserved Areas › Section 487.252. Texas Health Service Corps Program

Sec. 487.252.  TEXAS HEALTH SERVICE CORPS PROGRAM.  (a)  Subject to available funding, the department shall establish a program to assist communities in recruiting and retaining physicians to practice in medically underserved areas.
(b)  The department by rule shall establish:
(1)  eligibility criteria for applicants;
(2)  stipend application procedures;
(3)  guidelines relating to stipend amounts;
(4)  procedures for evaluating stipend applications; and
(5)  a system of priorities relating to the:
(A)  geographic areas covered;
(B)  medical specialties eligible to receive funding under the program; and
(C)  level of stipend support.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1424, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1241 (H.B. 2542), Sec. 32, eff. June 15, 2007.
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 112 (H.B. 1918), Sec. 48, eff. September 1, 2009.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 148 (H.B. 1493), Sec. 25, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter G. Texas Health Service Corps Program for Medically Underserved Areas › Section 487.253. Administration

Sec. 487.253.  ADMINISTRATION.  (a)  The department shall adopt rules necessary to administer this subchapter, and the department shall administer the program in accordance with those rules.
(b)  The department may not spend for the department's administrative costs in administering the program more than 10 percent of the amount appropriated to implement this subchapter.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1424, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1241 (H.B. 2542), Sec. 33, eff. June 15, 2007.
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 112 (H.B. 1918), Sec. 49, eff. September 1, 2009.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 148 (H.B. 1493), Sec. 26, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter G. Texas Health Service Corps Program for Medically Underserved Areas › Section 487.254. Required Contract

Sec. 487.254.  REQUIRED CONTRACT.  (a)  The department may award a stipend to a physician under this subchapter if the physician enters into a written contract to provide services in a medically underserved area for at least one year for each year that the physician receives the stipend.
(b)  The contract must provide that if the physician does not provide the required services in the medically underserved area or provides those services for less than the required term, the physician is personally liable to the state for:
(1)  the total amount of the stipend the physician receives;
(2)  interest on that total amount for the period beginning on the date the physician signs the contract and ending on the date the physician repays the amount of the stipend computed at a rate equal to the sum of:
(A)  the auction average rate quoted on a bank discount basis for 26-week treasury bills issued by the United States government, as published by the Federal Reserve Board, for the week preceding the week in which the contract is signed;  and
(B)  five percent;  and
(3)  the state's reasonable expenses incurred in obtaining payment, including reasonable attorney's fees.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1424, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 112 (H.B. 1918), Sec. 50, eff. September 1, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter G. Texas Health Service Corps Program for Medically Underserved Areas › Section 487.255. Stipends

Sec. 487.255.  STIPENDS.  (a)  The department shall award stipends to physicians for one-year periods.  A stipend awarded under this subchapter may not exceed $15,000 each year.
(b)  The department may renew a stipend used to assist a particular physician.
(c)  A physician is not eligible for a stipend under this subchapter for a period longer than is ordinarily and customarily required for the completion of residency training for first board eligibility.
(d)  A physician who receives a stipend under this subchapter is not eligible to receive assistance under a state educational loan repayment program or other state incentive program.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1424, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 112 (H.B. 1918), Sec. 51, eff. September 1, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter G. Texas Health Service Corps Program for Medically Underserved Areas › Section 487.256. Funding

Sec. 487.256.  FUNDING.  The department may seek, receive, and spend money received through an appropriation, grant, donation, or reimbursement from any public or private source to implement this subchapter.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1424, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 112 (H.B. 1918), Sec. 52, eff. September 1, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter H. Rural Health Facility Capital Improvement › Section 487.301. Definitions

Sec. 487.301.  DEFINITIONS.  In this subchapter:
(1)  "Public hospital" means a general or special hospital licensed under Chapter 241, Health and Safety Code, that is owned or operated by a municipality, county, municipality and county, hospital district, or hospital authority and that performs inpatient or outpatient services.
(2)  "Rural county" means:
(A)  a county that has a population of 150,000 or less;  or
(B)  with respect to a county that has a population of more than 150,000 and that contains a geographic area that is not delineated as urbanized by the federal census bureau, that part of the county that is not delineated as urbanized.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1424, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter H. Rural Health Facility Capital Improvement › Section 487.302. Powers of Department

Sec. 487.302.  POWERS OF DEPARTMENT.  In administering this subchapter, the department may:
(1)  enter into and enforce contracts and execute and deliver conveyances and other instruments necessary to make and administer grants, loans, and loan guarantees under this subchapter;
(2)  employ personnel and counsel necessary to implement this subchapter and pay them from money appropriated for that purpose;
(3)  impose and collect reasonable fees and charges in connection with grants, loans, and loan guarantees made under this subchapter and provide reasonable penalties for delinquent payment of fees, charges, or loan repayments;
(4)  take and enforce a mortgage or appropriate security interest in real or personal property that a loan recipient acquires with the proceeds of a loan made under this subchapter; and
(5)  adopt rules necessary to implement the grant, loan, and loan guarantee program.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1424, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 112 (H.B. 1918), Sec. 53, eff. September 1, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter H. Rural Health Facility Capital Improvement › Section 487.303. Grant, Loan, and Loan Guarantee Program

Sec. 487.303.  GRANT, LOAN, AND LOAN GUARANTEE PROGRAM.  (a)  The department may use money appropriated to the department under Section 403.1065 to make a grant or low-interest loan to, or guarantee a loan for, a public or nonprofit hospital located in a rural county.
(b)  A grant, loan, or loan guarantee recipient may use the money only to make capital improvements to existing health facilities located in a rural county, to construct new health facilities in a rural county, or to purchase capital equipment, including information systems hardware and software, for a health facility located in a rural county.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1424, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 112 (H.B. 1918), Sec. 54, eff. September 1, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter H. Rural Health Facility Capital Improvement › Section 487.304. Eligibility for Grant, Loan, or Loan Guarantee; Interest Rate

Sec. 487.304.  ELIGIBILITY FOR GRANT, LOAN, OR LOAN GUARANTEE; INTEREST RATE.  (a)  The department shall adopt rules that establish eligibility criteria for receiving a grant, loan, or loan guarantee under this subchapter.
(b)  The rules must state generally the factors the department will consider in determining whether an applicant should receive a grant, loan, or loan guarantee.  The rules must consider at least the financial need of the applicant, the health care needs of the rural area served by the applicant, and the probability that the applicant will effectively and efficiently use the money obtained through the grant, loan, or loan guarantee to meet the health care needs of the rural area served by the applicant.
(c)  The rules must state generally the factors the department will consider in determining the extent to which the interest rate on a loan should be below market rates.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1424, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 112 (H.B. 1918), Sec. 55, eff. September 1, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle F - Commerce and Industrial Development › Chapter 487 - Office of Rural Affairs in Department of Agriculture › Subchapter I. Community Development Block Grant Nonentitlement Program › Section 487.351. Administration of Community Development Block Grant Program; Allocation of Funds

Sec. 487.351.  ADMINISTRATION OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM; ALLOCATION OF FUNDS.  (a)  The department shall, under the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 (Pub.L. No. 97-35) and 24 CFR, Part 570, Subpart I, administer the state's allocation of federal funds provided under the community development block grant nonentitlement program authorized by Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. Section 5301 et seq.).
(b)  Community development block grant program funds shall be allocated to eligible counties and municipalities under department rules.
(c)  The department shall give priority to eligible activities in the areas of economic development, community development, and rural health to support workforce development in awarding funding for community development block grant programs.
(d)  An applicant for a grant, loan, or award under a community development block grant program may appeal a decision of the director by filing an appeal with the commissioner.  The commissioner shall hold a hearing on the appeal and render a decision.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.  Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 76, Sec. 5.73(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Renumbered from Sec. 2306.098 and amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1424, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1241 (H.B. 2542), Sec. 34, eff. June 15, 2007.
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 101 (H.B. 1079), Sec. 1, eff. May 23, 2009.
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 112 (H.B. 1918), Sec. 56, eff. September 1, 2009.
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 4 (S.B. 1), Sec. 62.08, eff. September 28, 2011.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 148 (H.B. 1493), Sec. 27, eff. September 1, 2013.