Rural Physician Loan Repayment Program Advisory Committee -- Membership -- Compensation -- Duties

(1) There is created the Rural Physician Loan Repayment Program Advisory Committee consisting of the following eight members appointed by the executive director: (a) two legislators whose districts include a rural county as defined in Section 26B-4-701; (b) five administrators of a hospital located in a rural county as defined in Section 26B-4-701, nominated by an association representing Utah hospitals, no more than two of whom are employed by hospitals affiliated by ownership; and (c) a physician currently practicing in a rural county as defined in Section 26B-4-701. (2) (a) An appointment to the committee shall be for a four-year term unless the member is appointed to complete an unexpired term. (b) The executive director shall adjust the length of term at the time of appointment or reappointment so that approximately one-half of the committee is appointed every two years. (c) The executive director shall annually appoint a committee chair from among the members of the committee. (3) (a) The committee shall meet at the call of: (i) the chair; (ii) at least three members of the committee; or (iii) the executive director. (b) The committee shall meet at least once each calendar year. (4) (a) A majority of the members of the committee constitutes a quorum. (b) The action of a majority of a quorum constitutes the action of the committee. (5) A member may not receive compensation or benefits for the member's service, but may receive per diem and travel expenses in accordance with: (a) Section 63A-3-106; (b) Section 63A-3-107; and (c) rules made by the Division of Finance pursuant to Sections 63A-3-106 and 63A-3-107. (6) The committee shall make recommendations to the department for the development and modification of rules to administer the Rural Physician Loan Repayment Program created in Section 26B-4-703. (7) As funding permits, the department shall provide staff and other administrative support to the committee.