OT Student Loan Forgiveness

Earlier this month, HR 2891: Legislation to establish a Frontline Providers Loan Repayment Program was introduced by Representatives Bruce Braley (D-IA) and Zack Space (D-OH).

The bill seeks to provide student loan assistance/forgiveness to designated “Frontline Health Care Professionals” working in medically underserved areas. A similar program, the National Health Services Corps currently exists and provides loan forgiveness to Allopathic and Osteopathic Physicians, Primary Care Nurse Practitioners, Certified Nurse-Midwife, Primary Care Physician Assistants, Dentists and Dental Hygienists, Health Service Psychologists, Social Workers, Psychiatric Nurse Specialists, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Licensed Professional Counselors. HR 2891 would extend student loan forgiveness eligibility to additional health care professions, including occupational therapy.

In order to obtain student loan forgiveness under the proposed program, OTs would be required to work in a medically underserved area for a minimum of two years. “Medically underserved areas” are determined by the Health Resources and Services Administration Shortage Designation Branch of the US Department of Health and Human Services, or by the State itself.

In addition to occupational therapy, the bill extends Frontline Health Care Provider status to the following professions: physical therapy, speech language pathology, general surgery, chiropractic, optometry, ophthalmology, audiology, pharmacy, public health, podiatric medicine, dietetics, general pediatrics, respiratory therapy, medical technology, and radiologic technology.

This bill is designed to increase the public’s access to quality, affordable health care services. It is anticipated (hoped?) that the student loan repayment program will provide students in health care scarcity areas with an incentive to enter the field of health care, and will provide current health care professionals with an incentive to work in underserved areas. The inclusion of occupational therapy in this bill demonstrates recognition of the unique value and importance of our profession.

To read more about HR 2891:
Medical News Today
Channel 7 KKWL News

To send an email to Congress asking them to support HR 2891:
AOTA Legislative Action Center email template