Chapter 7F. High-Need Healthcare Career Scholarship and Supports Program.

§ 7–791.01. Definitions.

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.

§ 7–791.02. High-Need Healthcare Career Scholarships and Supports Program.

(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 for expenses incurred by:

(A) Program participants to obtain credentials to serve as healthcare workers in high-need healthcare careers, including the costs of education, training, transportation, and examinations; and

(B) Approved schools and training programs for providing education and training to Program participants.

(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;

(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 commit to serving as a healthcare worker in a high-need healthcare career in the District for more than 2 years;

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

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

(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 individual's participation in the Program as may be required by the District.

(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.

§ 7–791.03. Eligibility requirements for participating schools and training programs.

(a) A school or training program applying to participate in the Program shall be licensed to operate and in good standing in the District or another state.

(b) Eligible schools and training programs shall be competitively reviewed and selected by the Mayor for participation in the Program based on:

(1) The number of years the school or training program has successfully provided education or training in the healthcare sector and in high-need healthcare careers;

(2) The quality of the education or training provided by the school or training program;

(3) The school or training program's commitment to train individuals for high-need healthcare careers; and

(4) Such other relevant factors as the Mayor may establish by rule.

(c) Preferential consideration for participation in the Program shall be given to eligible schools and training programs located in the District.

(d) Each school or training program selected to participate in the Program shall enter into a contract with the District agreeing to:

(1) Educate or train Program participants;

(2) Assist Program participants in the required examinations;

(3) Pay the examination fees necessary for the Program participant's licensure, registration, or certification in a high-need healthcare career;

(4) Assist Program participants in submitting applications for their licensure, registration, or certification in a high-need healthcare career; and

(5) Submit such reports and information regarding the school or training program's Program participation as may be required by the Mayor.

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

§ 7–791.04. Rulemaking authority.

The Mayor, pursuant to subchapter I of Chapter 5 of Title 2, may issue rules to implement the provisions of this chapter.