12VAC5-508-70: Selection criteria

Applicants shall be competitively reviewed and selected for participation in the Virginia Physician Loan Repayment Program based upon the following criteria:

1. Commitment to serve. The individual's stated commitment to serve in an HPSA, a VMUA, an approved geriatrics fellowship, or a state or local institution.

2. Virginia residents or Virginia graduates. Preferential consideration shall be given to individuals who are or have been Virginia residents or graduates of Virginia medical schools (verification shall be obtained by the Virginia Physician Loan Repayment Program).

3. Residents of HPSAs or VMUAs. Preferential consideration shall be given to individuals who reside in HPSAs or VMUAs (verification shall be obtained by the Virginia Physician Loan Repayment Program).

4. Availability for service. Individuals who are immediately eligible and available for service shall be given higher consideration.

5. Length of proposed commitment. Preferential consideration shall be given to individuals who commit to longer periods of service.

6. Selection for participation. All of an individual's professional qualifications and competency to practice in an underserved area shall be considered, including board eligibility or specialty certification, professional achievements, and other indicators of competency received from supervisors, program directors, or other individuals who have agreed to enter into an employment contract with the individual.