HEALTH PROFESSIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Expanded the list of eligible health professions to include nutrition and dietetics, respiratory care, medical imaging, dental health, psychology, counseling, optometry, emergency medical services, anesthesiologist assistants, nursing, and social work, in addition to previously covered professions.

Increased minimum award amounts to $75,000 per year for licensed physicians (up from unspecified amounts) and $40,000 per year for other health professionals, with provisions for additional years based on funding availability.

Strengthened breach of contract penalties by allowing fees up to 15% interest on disbursed amounts and clarifying that non-compliance requires immediate repayment, with exceptions for extenuating circumstances.

Added new definitions for 'nurse in advanced practice' and 'osteopathic primary care physician' to clarify which professionals qualify for awards.

Modified service commitment requirements to mandate four years of service for licensed physicians and three years for other health professionals, with provisions for extending contracts if recipients transition to part-time employment.

Repealed outdated sections of the NMSA 1978 and updated the Health Professional Loan Repayment Fund provisions to clarify fund administration and disbursement procedures.

Simplified annual reporting requirements to focus on cumulative totals, award counts by profession, and practice locations rather than individual recipient details.