Eligibility

(1) In order to receive a Tennessee Rural Health Loan, a borrower must: (a) Be a citizen of Tennessee; and (b) Be a resident of Tennessee, as defined by regulations promulgated by the Tennessee Board of Regents for the state university and community college system, under the authority of T.C.A. § 49-8-104 where applicable, as of the date of application and on the date of reapplication for the loan each academic year; and TENNESSEE RURAL HEALTH LOAN FORGIVENESS PROGRAM CHAPTER 1640-01-21 (c) Comply with the United States selective service system requirement for registration, as such requirements are applicable to the borrower; and (d) Not be in default on a federal Title IV educational loan or Tennessee educational loan; and (e) Be in compliance with federal drug-free rules and laws for receiving financial assistance; and (f) Not be incarcerated; and (g) Be admitted to and attend an eligible postsecondary institution seeking an advanced degree in an eligible program of study; and (h) As a service obligation of this loan, the borrower agrees to: 1. Practice medicine in a health resource shortage area after becoming a Tennessee licensed physician, osteopathic physician, or physician assistant or receiving a Tennessee certificate of fitness as a nurse practitioner one (1) year for each year of funding provided by the Tennessee Rural Health Loan Forgiveness Program and sign a promissory note that stipulates the cash repayment obligation incurred with interest if the service obligation is not fulfilled; or 2. Practice dentistry in a health resource shortage area after becoming a Tennessee licensed dentist one (1) year for each year of funding provided by the Tennessee Rural Health Loan Forgiveness program and sign a promissory note that stipulates the cash repayment obligation incurred with interest if the service obligation is not fulfilled. (i) Maintain satisfactory progress in the program of study in which the borrower is enrolled; and (j) Complete the program of study in this five-year pilot program no later than spring 2013; and (k) Not accept any other financial assistance that carries with it a service obligation after graduation and receipt of the applicable license to practice medicine or dentistry, except for a service obligation in the United States armed forces, reserve, or the National Guard. The service obligation period shall not exceed six (6) years.