A proposal to remove the cap on Arizona's loan forgiveness program for physicians will go to the full state Senate after it was approved by a panel Tuesday, according to Verde Independent. A similar proposal is pending in the House.
The measure would not require additional funding, as it allows private donations, which the current program does not permit, according to the report. The proposed program offers physicians loan forgiveness in return for placing them in regions where they are needed most — usually in inner cities or rural areas.
It would offer physicians participating in the program $65,000 in the first two years and $35,000 for each subsequent year of participation, with no limit, according to the report.
Under the current loan repayment program, physicians can be awarded a maximum of $40,000 in the first two years of participation, $22,000 in the third year and $25,000 in the final year.
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