Section 136 Health Care Worker Loan Forgiveness Website

(a) The secretary of health and human services, in consultation with the department of higher education, shall establish and implement a public information campaign to promote awareness of the availability of student loan forgiveness and assistance, tuition reimbursement, fellowships or other state and federal programs designed to benefit the health care and behavioral health workforce in the commonwealth and individuals who may be interested in joining the health care or behavioral health workforce. The campaign shall include: (i) educating health care and behavioral health workforce members of the availability of the centralized website established pursuant to subsection (b), listing of available programs; (ii) performing targeted outreach to health care and behavioral health workforce members about the availability of student loan forgiveness and other assistance programs designed to benefit workers; and (iii) performing targeted outreach to the public, including community colleges and other colleges and universities, to provide information about programs available to assist individuals interested in joining the health care and behavioral health workforce.

(b) Not later than October 1, 2022, the secretary of health and human services shall establish a centralized website for the public to access a list and description of all programs offered through the commonwealth and any applicable federal programs for loan forgiveness or assistance, tuition reimbursement, fellowships or other workforce-related benefits in the health care and behavioral health industries, including, but not limited to, programs established in: (i) the General Laws; (ii) regulations; (iii) the 1115 waiver; (iv) chapter 102 of the acts of 2021; and (v) this act. The website shall provide comprehensive information about all programs offered through the commonwealth for loan forgiveness or assistance, tuition reimbursement, fellowships or other workforce-related benefits for health care and behavioral health workforce members and the public who may be interested in joining the health care or behavioral health workforce including, but not limited to: (i) eligibility for programs; (ii) information on how to access additional information related to programs; and (iii) website links or other information on how to apply for or request participation in the programs.