Definitions

1. "Defined area of need" means a service area or site selected considering the availability of health care services available to individuals who are underserved, experiencing health care professional shortage, or in a rural area. 2. "Department" means the department of health and human services. 3. "Direct health care services" means case consultation, case management, management of an individual's medications, charting, care coordination activities, diagnostic and treatment services followup, telehealth, and patient correspondence. 4. "Employer" means a public or private entity seeking to fill health care needs and includes a clinic, hospital, tribal health organization, an institution or facility that provides services to an individual with developmental disabilities, substance use disorder treatment programs, behavioral health clinic, long-term care facility, assisted living home, correctional facility, a site, or other health care organization that employs health care professionals. 5. "Full-time" means a permanent and program-eligible health care professional position in which the health care professional: a. Is physically present and works in a defined area of need at least thirty hours each week at the location identified in the contract; and b. Works thirty hours in no less than three days each week. 6. "Half-time" means a permanent and program-eligible health care professional position in which the health care professional: a. Is physically present and works in a defined area of need at least fifteen hours each week at the location identified in the contract; b. Works fifteen hours at the location identified in the contract no less than two days each week; and c. Provides telehealth services at least fifteen hours each week in a defined area of need to a second location identified in the contract. 7. "Health care professional" means a qualifying individual practicing as a physician, clinical psychologist, advanced practice registered nurse, registered nurse, physician assistant, or behavioral health professional who provides direct health care services. 8. "Loan repayment" means money specified in a health care professional's authorized service contract to be paid directly to the loan servicer. 9. "Program" means the health care professional student loan repayment program. 10. "Site" means a university, technical college, or teaching hospital that provides education or training to health care professionals; a federally qualified health center; or other facilities.