(a) Each application will be screened by the department
for eligibility and completeness.
(b) If needed, the department may invite advisors from
outside the department to evaluate eligible applications. Advisors
from outside the department shall receive no compensation or reimbursement
for expenses. Advisors may not be a current or potential applicant
for a grant on which the advisors would be making recommendations.
(c) Applications are scored based on evaluation criteria
which may include, but are not limited to, the following:
(1) type of assistance (loan reimbursement or stipend);
(2) ineligibility for any other state loan forgiveness,
loan repayment, or stipend program;
(3) graduation from health professional degree programs
in Texas;
(4) use of telecommunications or telemedicine, as appropriate;
(5) commitment from a qualifying community served by
the health professional to contribute to the cost of the loan reimbursement
or stipend; and
(6) community needs.
(d) The department will prioritize the provision of
loan reimbursements and stipends to health professionals who meet
one or more criteria provided in subsection (c)(2) - (5) of this section.
(e) Reviewer scores will be averaged and the highest
scoring applications will be selected for funding.
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