Section R58-28-3 - Payment Eligibility-Payment Process(1) A veterinarian shall register intent to receive loan repayment assistance on a department form, and shall provide the following information: (a) name, address, and other contact information;(b) name of employer and employer contact information;(c) Utah veterinary license number under Title 58, Chapter 28, Veterinary Practice Act; and(d) qualifying practice type as defined in Subsection R58-28-2(9).(2)(a) A veterinarian shall practice in a qualifying practice type for a minimum of one year after the date of registering intent with the department.(b) A veterinarian who fails to practice in a qualifying practice type for one year is not eligible for loan repayment assistance from the department.(c) The department may extend the service period if the applicant takes a one-time leave of absence for no more than six months for medical reasons or another good cause.(3) After a qualified veterinarian has practiced for one year from the date of application, they shall provide the following information to the department: (a) hours and location of qualifying work;(b) employer certification of worked hours;(c) loan details including loan servicer name, account information, and loan balance;(d) whether they choose to reapply to receive additional payments toward educational loan balances in the future; and(e) any other information the department deems necessary for loan repayment assistance.(4) Starting on July 1, 2024, the department shall make payments of up to $20,000 to qualified veterinarians' lenders on a first-come, first-served basis based on applications received.(5) The payments: (a) shall be directed toward a qualified veterinarian's education loans; and(b) may include charges associated with paying off the education loan balance.(6) Qualified veterinarians may reapply for loan repayment for a maximum of five years or receive up to $100,000, whichever comes first.(7) Each applicant is responsible for reporting loan repayment to the United States Internal Revenue Service and addressing any potential tax liabilities resulting from the loan repayment assistance.(8) The department may grant loan repayment assistance to qualified veterinarians only to repay bona fide education loans.(9) The department may not pay for an educational loan of an applicant who is in default at the time of application or during the service period.(10) Eligible applicants shall notify the department before changing their qualifying practice type or relocating during the period of practice in exchange for education loan assistance.Utah Admin. Code R58-28-3
Adopted by Utah State Bulletin Number 2023-13, effective 6/22/2023Adopted by Utah State Bulletin Number 2024-16, effective 8/12/2024