National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment

 

The purpose of the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program (LRP) is to recruit and retain medical, nursing, dental, and behavioral/mental health clinicians in eligible communities of need designated as Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). The purpose of the NHSC Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Workforce LRP is to recruit and retain medical, nursing, and behavioral/mental health clinicians with specific training and credentials to provide evidence-based SUD treatment and counselling in eligible communities of need designated as HPSAs. The purpose of the NHSC Rural Community LRP is to recruit and retain medical, nursing, and behavioral/mental health clinicians with specific training and credentials to provide evidence-based SUD treatment in rural communities designated as HPSAs. The purpose of the NHSC Students to Service (S2S) LRP is to enter into contracts with students who are in their last year of medical, dental, or nursing school to provide loan repayment assistance in return for a commitment to provide primary health services in eligible communities of need designated as HPSAs. The purpose of the Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery (STAR) LRP is to recruit and retain medical, nursing, behavioral/mental health clinicians and paraprofessionals who provide full-time employment that involves direct treatment or recovery support of patients with or in recovery from a substance use disorder at a STAR LRP-approved facility located in either a county (or a municipality, if not contained within any county) where the mean drug overdose death rate per 100,000 people over the past three years for which official data is available from the State, is higher than the most recent available national average overdose death rate per 100,000 people, as reported by the CDC, or in a designated HPSA. The purpose of the Pediatric Specialty LRP is to recruit and retain pediatric medical specialists, pediatric surgical specialists and child and adolescent mental and behavioral health providers who provide full-time employment in or for an approved facility serving, a health professional shortage area or medically underserved area, or to serve a medically underserved population.

General information about this opportunity
Last Known Status
Active
Program Number
93.162
Federal Agency/Office
Health Resources and Services Administration, Department of Health and Human Services
Type(s) of Assistance Offered
C - Direct Payments For Specified Use
Program Accomplishments
Fiscal Year 2018 Since its inception in 1972, the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) has worked to support qualified health care providers dedicated to working in underserved communities in urban, rural, and tribal areas. Across the nation, NHSC clinicians serve patients in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) – communities with limited access to health care. As of September 30, 2018, there were 6,815 primary care HPSAs, 5,632 dental HPSAs, and 4,929 mental health HPSAs. The NHSC seeks clinicians who demonstrate a commitment to serve the Nation’s medically underserved populations at NHSC-approved sites located in HPSAs. NHSC-approved sites provide care to individuals regardless of ability to pay; currently, there are over 16,400 NHSC-approved sites. Eligible sites include Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) and FQHC Look-Alikes, American Indian and Native Alaska health clinics, rural health clinics, critical access hospitals and hospitals managed or owned by the Indian Health Service (IHS), school-based clinics, mobile units, free clinics, community mental health centers, state or local health departments, community outpatient facilities, federal facilities such as the Bureau of Prisons, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, IHS, and private practices. In particular, the NHSC has partnered closely with HRSA-supported FQHCs to help meet their staffing needs. Over 60 percent of NHSC clinicians serve in Health Centers around the nation, and 15 percent of clinical staff at FQHCs are NHSC clinicians. The NHSC also places clinicians in other community-based systems of care that serve underserved populations, targeting HPSAs of greatest need. As of September 30, 2018, there are 10,939 primary care medical, dental, and mental and behavioral health practitioners providing service nationwide in the following programs.
Fiscal Year 2019 Since its inception in 1972, the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) has worked to support qualified health care providers dedicated to working in underserved communities in urban, rural, and tribal areas. Across the nation, NHSC clinicians serve patients in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) – communities with limited access to health care. As of September 30, 2018, there were 6,815 primary care HPSAs, 5,632 dental HPSAs, and 4,929 mental health HPSAs. The NHSC seeks clinicians who demonstrate a commitment to serve the Nation’s medically underserved populations at NHSC-approved sites located in HPSAs. NHSC-approved sites provide care to individuals regardless of ability to pay; currently, there are over 16,400 NHSC-approved sites. Eligible sites include Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) and FQHC Look-Alikes, American Indian and Native Alaska health clinics, rural health clinics, critical access hospitals and hospitals managed or owned by the Indian Health Service (IHS), school-based clinics, mobile units, free clinics, community mental health centers, state or local health departments, community outpatient facilities, federal facilities such as the Bureau of Prisons, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, IHS, and private practices. In particular, the NHSC has partnered closely with HRSA-supported FQHCs to help meet their staffing needs. Over 60 percent of NHSC clinicians serve in Health Centers around the nation, and 15 percent of clinical staff at FQHCs are NHSC clinicians. The NHSC also places clinicians in other community-based systems of care that serve underserved populations, targeting HPSAs of greatest need. As of September 30, 2018, there are 10,939 primary care medical, dental, and mental and behavioral health practitioners providing service nationwide in the following programs.
Fiscal Year 2020 Since its inception in 1972, the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) has worked to support qualified health care providers dedicated to working in underserved communities in urban, rural, and tribal areas. Across the nation, NHSC clinicians serve patients in HPSAs – communities with limited access to health care. As of September 30, 2020, there were 7,203 primary care HPSAs, 6,487 dental HPSAs, and 5,733 mental health HPSAs. The NHSC seeks clinicians who demonstrate a commitment to serve the Nation’s medically underserved populations at NHSC-approved sites located in HPSAs. NHSC-approved sites provide care to individuals regardless of ability to pay; currently, there are over 16,400 NHSC-approved sites. Eligible sites include Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) and FQHC Look-Alikes, American Indian and Native Alaska health clinics, rural health clinics, critical access hospitals and hospitals managed or owned by the Indian Health Service (IHS), school-based clinics, mobile units, free clinics, community mental health centers, state or local health departments, community outpatient facilities, federal facilities such as the Bureau of Prisons, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, IHS, and private practices. In particular, the NHSC has partnered closely with HRSA-supported FQHCs to help meet their staffing needs. Over 60 percent of NHSC clinicians serve in Health Centers around the nation, and 15 percent of clinical staff at FQHCs are NHSC clinicians. The NHSC also places clinicians in other community-based systems of care that serve underserved populations, targeting HPSAs of greatest need. As of September 30, 2020, there are more than 13,000 primary care medical, dental, and mental and behavioral health practitioners providing service nationwide under the NHSC LRPs covered under this document.
Fiscal Year 2021 Since its inception in 1972, the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) has worked to support qualified health care providers dedicated to working in underserved communities in urban, rural, and tribal areas. Across the nation, NHSC clinicians serve patients in HPSAs – communities with limited access to health care. As of September 30, 2021, there were 6,272 primary care HPSAs, 5,678 dental HPSAs, and 5,391 mental health HPSAs. The NHSC seeks clinicians who demonstrate a commitment to serve the Nation’s medically underserved populations at NHSC-approved sites located in HPSAs. NHSC-approved sites provide care to individuals regardless of ability to pay; currently, there are over 17,000 NHSC-approved sites. Eligible sites include Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) and FQHC Look-Alikes, American Indian and Native Alaska health clinics, rural health clinics, critical access hospitals and hospitals managed or owned by the Indian Health Service (IHS), school-based clinics, mobile units, free clinics, community mental health centers, state or local health departments, community outpatient facilities, federal facilities such as the Bureau of Prisons, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, IHS, and private practices. In particular, the NHSC has partnered closely with HRSA-supported FQHCs to help meet their staffing needs. Over 60 percent of NHSC clinicians serve in Health Centers around the nation, and 15 percent of clinical staff at FQHCs are NHSC clinicians. The NHSC also places clinicians in other community-based systems of care that serve underserved populations, targeting HPSAs of greatest need. As of September 30, 2021, there are nearly 20,000 primary care medical, dental, and mental and behavioral health practitioners – the largest cohort ever -- serving in the NHSC across nearly 17,000 approved sites across the United States under the NHSC LRPs covered under this document.
Fiscal Year 2022 Since its inception in 1972, the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) has worked to support qualified health care providers dedicated to working in underserved communities in urban, rural, and tribal areas. Across the nation, NHSC clinicians serve patients in HPSAs – communities with limited access to health care. As of September 30, 2022, there were 7,121 primary care HPSAs, 6,385 dental HPSAs, and 5,929 mental health HPSAs. The NHSC seeks clinicians who demonstrate a commitment to serve the Nation’s medically underserved populations at NHSC-approved sites located in HPSAs. NHSC-approved sites provide care to individuals regardless of ability to pay; currently, there are over 20,700 NHSC-approved sites. Eligible sites include Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) and FQHC Look-Alikes, American Indian and Native Alaska health clinics, rural health clinics, critical access hospitals and hospitals managed or owned by the Indian Health Service (IHS), school-based clinics, mobile units, free clinics, community mental health centers, state or local health departments, community outpatient facilities, federal facilities such as the Bureau of Prisons, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, IHS, and private practices. In particular, the NHSC has partnered closely with HRSA-supported FQHCs to help meet their staffing needs. Over 60 percent of NHSC clinicians serve in Health Centers around the nation, and 15 percent of clinical staff at FQHCs are NHSC clinicians. The NHSC also places clinicians in other community-based systems of care that serve underserved populations, targeting HPSAs of greatest need. As of September 30, 2022, there are nearly 20,000 primary care medical, dental, and mental and behavioral health practitioners – the largest cohort ever -- serving in the NHSC across nearly 20,700 approved sites across the United States under the NHSC LRPs covered under this document.
Authorization
Section 338B of the Public Health Service (PHS) Act (42 USC Section 254l-1), as amended; Section 331(i) of the PHS Act (42 USC 254d(i)), as amended; Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (P.L. 114-10).
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018, Title II (Public Law No. 115-141, Title II) Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019 and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2019
Public Law 115-271
The Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020, as amended Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, Title II (Public Law No. 116-260, Title II) Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act.
Section 781 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. § 295h)
Section 2602 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (P.L.117-2)
Sec. 775 of the PHS Act (42 U.S. Code § 295f) Investment in Tomorrow’s Pediatric Health Care Workforce authorizes the Secretary to establish and carry out a pediatric specialty LRP.
The Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022
Who is eligible to apply/benefit from this assistance?
Applicant Eligibility
For specific program and eligibility requirements, please see: https://bhw.hrsa.gov
Beneficiary Eligibility
Primary care, oral health, mental and behavioral health and SUD professionals are eligible for the Loan Repayment Program(s). Based on specific program requirements. Specific specialties within these professions are selected for LRP awards based on community demand for health services.
Credentials/Documentation
Applicants should review the program-specific HRSA Application and Program Guidance issued under this assistance listing for any required proof or certifications which must be submitted prior to or simultaneous with submission of an application package.
What is the process for applying and being award this assistance?
Pre-Application Procedure
Preapplication coordination is not applicable.
Application Procedure
2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards applies to this program. This program is excluded from coverage under 2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFO) for this listing will be posted on Grants.gov. Applicants may receive additional information about the application process at http://nhsc.hrsa.gov/loanrepayment/applicationprocess/index.html.
Award Procedure
Each application opportunity is offered on an annual application cycle. Applications that meet the basic eligibility criteria are reviewed against the priority of the program. Once HRSA determines that the application meets the eligibility requirements the following steps take place. 1) Applications are ranked by priority; 2) Application is reviewed by HRSA staff; and 3) HRSA designee countersigns the contract and award is made.
Deadlines
Contact the headquarters or regional location, as appropriate for application deadlines
Approval/Disapproval Decision Time
Notifications to all applicants are made no later than September 30th of the application year.
Appeals
Not applicable.
Renewals
NHSC LRP and S2S LRP: Contract continuations will be considered according to the availability of appropriated funds and eligibility criteria applied to the individual and the site at which that individual is employed.
How are proposals selected?
NHSC LRP - Priority will be given to individuals who demonstrate a commitment to practicing in underserved communities and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. In addition, priority may be given to applicants whose training is in a health discipline or specialty determined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services to be needed by the NHSC and who the Secretary determines are committed to serve in health professional shortage areas. NHSC SUD Workforce LRP - Priority will be given to individuals who demonstrate a commitment to practicing in a NHSC SUD treatment facility in underserved communities within a HPSA. Priority is also given to applicants trained and licensed in SUD treatment which has been determined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services to be needed by the NHSC. NHSC Rural Community LRP - Priority will be given to individuals who demonstrate a commitment to practicing in a NHSC Rural SUD treatment facility in an underserved communities within a HPSA. Priority is also given to applicants trained and licensed in SUD treatment serving in a rural community, which has been determined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services to be needed by the NHSC. NHSC S2S LRP- Priority will be given to applicants who have a disadvantaged background and characteristics likely to remain in a HPSA as identified by their essay and letters of recommendation. STAR LRP - will first rank applicants who are working in a full-time SUD treatment job that involves direct patient care in a county (or a municipality, if not contained within any county) where the mean drug overdose death rate per 100,000 people over the past three years for which official data is available from the State, is higher than the most recent available national average overdose death rate per 100,000 people, as reported by the CDC. HRSA will then rank applicants working in a designated mental health HPSA. Pediatric Specialty LRP - shall give priority to applicants who: (1) Are or will be working in a school or other pre-kindergarten, elementary, or secondary education setting; (2) Have familiarity with evidence-based methods and cultural and linguistic competence health care services; and (3) Demonstrate financial need.
How may assistance be used?
NHSC LRP - Awards provide payments of up to $50,000 towards participants' qualified educational loans in exchange for 2 years of full-time practice (up to $25,000 for 2 years of half-time practice) at an NHSC-approved service site under a written agreement with this program. NHSC SUD Workforce LRP - Awards provide payments of up to $75,000 towards applicants trained and licensed in SUD treatment with qualified educational loans in exchange for 3 years of full-time practice (up to $37,500 for 3 years of half-time practice) at an NHSC-approved SUD treatment facility. NHSC Rural Community LRP - Awards provide payments of up to $100,000 towards applicants trained and licensed in SUD treatment with qualified educational loans in exchange for 3 years of full-time practice (up to $50,000 for 3 years of half-time practice) at a rural NHSC-approved SUD treatment facility. NHSC S2S LRP - Awards provide payments of up to $120,000 to participants in their last year of school for qualified educational loans in exchange for 3 years of full-time practice (up to $120,000 for 6 years of half-time practice) at an NHSC-approved service site. STAR LRP – Awards payments up to $250,000 for 6 years of full-time service to individuals serving at a STAR LRP-approved facility that is located in either a county (or a municipality, if not contained within any county) where the mean drug overdose death rate per 100,000 people over the past three years for which official data is available from the State, is higher than the most recent available national average overdose death rate per 100,000 people, as reported by the CDC, or in a designated mental health HPSA. Pediatric Specialty LRP award payments up to $100,000 for 3 years of full-time service to individuals who commit to work in a health professional shortage area or medically underserved area, or to serve a medically underserved population.
What are the requirements after being awarded this opportunity?
Reporting
Not applicable.
Auditing
Not applicable.
Records
Not applicable.
Other Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
Statutory formula is not applicable to this assistance listing.

Matching requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing.

MOE requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
NHSC LRP - Loan repayments for 2 years of obligated service will be made no later than the end of the fiscal year in which the individual completes such year of service. NHSC SUD Workforce LRP - Loan repayments for 3 years of obligated service will be made no later than the end of the fiscal year in which the individual completes such year of service. NHSC Rural Community LRP - Loan repayments for 3 years of obligated service will be made no later than the end of the fiscal year in which the individual completes such year of service. NHSC S2S LRP- Loan repayments for 3 years of obligated service will be made no later than the end of the fiscal year in which the individual completes such year of service. STAR LRP - Loan repayments for 6 years of obligated service will be made no later than the end of the fiscal year in which the individual completes such year of service. Method of awarding/releasing assistance: Payments are made to individuals via electronic direct deposit through the PSC. PS LRP will issue award payments no later than the end of the fiscal year in which the individual completes such year of service. Payments are made to individuals via electronic direct deposit through the PSC. PS LRP will issue award payments no later than the end of the fiscal year in which the individual completes such year of service.
Who do I contact about this opportunity?
Regional or Local Office
None/Not specified.
Headquarters Office
Israil Ali, National Health Service Corps
Loan Repayment Branch
Division of National Health Service Corps
Rockville, MD 20857 US
Iali@hrsa.gov
Phone: (301) 594-4400
Website Address
http://nhsc.hrsa.gov/
Financial Information
Account Identification
75-0350-0-1-550
Obligations
(Direct Payments for Specified Use) FY 22$392,500,000.00; FY 23 est $297,000,000.00; FY 24 est $297,000,000.00; FY 21$279,000,000.00; FY 20$164,349,000.00; FY 19$164,349,000.00; FY 18$149,888,000.00; FY 17$0.00; FY 16$0.00; - For NHSC LRP, SUD Workforce LRP, Rural Community LRP and S2S LRP only(Direct Payments for Specified Use) FY 22$24,000,000.00; FY 23 est $40,000,000.00; FY 24 est $40,000,000.00; FY 21$28,000,000.00; FY 20$0.00; - For STAR LRP only(Direct Payments for Specified Use) FY 22$0.00; FY 23 est $15,000,000.00; FY 24 est $10,000,000.00; FY 21$0.00; - For Pediatric Specialty LRP only
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Not Applicable.
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
Please see application process for NHSC LRP, STAR LRP, and PS LRP programs at https://bhw.hrsa.gov/funding/apply-loan-repayment/.
Examples of Funded Projects
Not applicable.