SPARC Act

The SPARC Act (HR 4681) creates a federal loan repayment program for specialty physicians and non-physician health care providers (like nurse practitioners) who commit to working in rural areas with shortages of these specialists. It covers up to $250,000 in repayment for eligible education loans (including federal student loans) over a 6-year service commitment in designated rural communities. Providers must work full-time without gaps exceeding one year, and non-physician providers are limited to 15% of annual funding. The program requires annual reports to Congress on provider locations and impact, while preventing double benefits with other federal loan forgiveness programs.