Maryland Education Section 18-702

      (a)      (1)      In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

            (2)      "Family practice" means the medical specialty as defined by the American Board of Family Practice.

            (3)      "School of Medicine" means the School of Medicine of the University System of Maryland.

            (4)      "Service obligation" means employment in the State in the family practice of medicine in an area determined by the Secretary of Health and Mental Hygiene, in cooperation with the Medical and Chirurgical Faculty of Maryland, to have an acute need for physicians in family practice.

      (b)      Economic Development Student Assistance Grants may be awarded as medical scholarships to students enrolled in the School of Medicine who are pursuing the Degree of Doctor of Medicine.

      (c)      Each recipient of a medical scholarship awarded under this section shall:

            (1)      Have been approved for admission to the School of Medicine; and

            (2)      Have financial needs and resources that meet the requirements of the Office.

      (d)      (1)      Following graduation from medical school, the recipient shall enter a family practice residency program.

            (2)      Immediately following completion of the residency program, the recipient shall:

                  (i)      Perform the service obligation; and

                  (ii)      Satisfy any additional criteria the Office may establish.

      (e)      (1)      Each year 2 medical scholarships shall be awarded.

            (2)      Each medical scholarship:

                  (i)      Is in the amount of $7,500 a year;

                  (ii)      May be used for tuition, fees, or other costs at the School of Medicine;

                  (iii)      Shall be paid by the Office directly to the School of Medicine; and

                  (iv)      May be held as long as the recipient is making satisfactory progress towards the Degree of Doctor of Medicine, but not more than 4 years.

      (f)      (1)      Each year, the Office shall announce the availability and conditions of medical scholarships at colleges and universities in and outside of this State.

            (2)      Each applicant shall submit an application provided by the Office which demonstrates the applicant's merit and eligibility.

            (3)      (i)      The Office shall award the scholarships to the recipients.

                  (ii)      If a recipient does not accept the scholarship, the Office shall award it to another eligible applicant.

      (g)      For the purpose of this section, repayment shall be made to the State within 10 years after the repayment period begins and shall follow a repayment schedule established by the Office.

      (h)      Funds for the medical scholarships shall be as provided in the annual budget of the Commission by the Governor.