§ 7–791.01. High-Need Healthcare Career Scholarships and Supports Program.

*NOTE: This section was created by temporary legislation that will expire on May 4, 2023.*

(a)(1) The Mayor shall establish the High-Need Healthcare Career Scholarships and Supports Program for the purpose of increasing the number of healthcare workers in high-need healthcare careers in the District by providing supports and services to individuals who agree to serve as such workers in the District.

(2) The Program may pay expenses incurred to obtain credentials to serve as healthcare workers in high-need healthcare careers, including the costs of education, training, transportation, and examinations.

(b) To participate in the Program, an applicant must:

(1) Be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States;

(2) Submit a completed application, in such form and with such information and documentation as may be required by the Mayor; and

(3) Be selected for participation by the Mayor based upon:

(A) The individual's relevant experience;

(B) The individual's ability to successfully complete the necessary education, training, examination, and licensing, certification, or registration requirements to serve as a healthcare worker in a high-need healthcare career in the District;

(C) The individual's ability to serve successfully as a healthcare worker in a high-need healthcare career;

(D) The individual's commitment to serve as a healthcare worker in a high-need healthcare career in the District for at least 2 years following their licensure, certification, or registration as a healthcare worker; and

(E) Such other factors as the Mayor may establish, which may include preferential consideration for:

(i) Residents of the District;

(ii) Applicants committed to enrolling in a school or training program located in the District;

(iii) Residents of a Health Professional Shortage Area or Medically Underserved Area, as those terms are defined in § 7-751.01(4) and (5);

(iv) Applicants who are immediately eligible and available for education or training;

(v) Applicants who agree to commit to longer periods of service as a healthcare worker in a high-need healthcare career in the District than the 2 years required by subparagraph (D) of this paragraph;

(vi) Applicants who are fluent in Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, French, or Amharic; and

(vii) Applicants demonstrating a desire to reside within the District.

(c) Each applicant selected for participation in the Program shall enter into a contract with the District agreeing to:

(1) Complete the necessary education, training, and examinations to become a healthcare worker in a high-need healthcare career in the District;

(2) Serve a minimum of 2 years as a healthcare worker in a high-need healthcare career in the District; and

(3) Provide such information and reports on the applicant's participation in the Program as may be required by the Mayor.

(d) The contract required by subsection (c) of [this section] may provide the District with specific remedies for a Program participant's breach of the contract, and the District shall have the general right to enforce the contract in law or equity.

(e) For purposes of this chapter, the term:

(1) "High-need healthcare career" means a career as nursing assistive personnel, an emergency medical technician, a paramedic, or any healthcare profession as may be determined by the Mayor.

(2) "Program" means the High-Need Healthcare Career Scholarships and Supports Program established pursuant to this chapter.