§24–1708.

    (a)    In this section, “Council” means the Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program Advisory Council for Physicians and Physician Assistants.

    (b)    There is a Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program Advisory Council for Physicians and Physician Assistants.

    (c)    The Council consists of the following members:

        (1)    The Chair of the Health Services Cost Review Commission, or the Chair’s designee;

        (2)    The Chair of the Maryland Health Care Commission, or the Chair’s designee;

        (3)    The President of the Maryland Hospital Association, or the President’s designee;

        (4)    The Dean of the University of Maryland School of Medicine, or the Dean’s designee;

        (5)    The Dean of the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, or the Dean’s designee;

        (6)    The President of MedChi, or the President’s designee;

        (7)    One representative of the Primary Care Office in the Office of Population Health Improvement;

        (8)    One representative of the State Board of Physicians;

        (9)    One representative of the Maryland Academy of Physician Assistants; and

        (10)    Any other members as determined necessary by the Secretary.

    (d)    (1)    The members of the Council shall select the chair of the Council.

        (2)    A member of the Council:

            (i)    May not receive compensation as a member of the Council; but

            (ii)    Is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.

        (3)    The Council shall meet at least three times a year.

    (e)    The Department shall provide staff for the Council.

    (f)    The Council shall:

        (1)    Seek permanent and diverse revenue sources to aid in the stability and further development of the Program;

        (2)    Help ensure maximum use of federal funds;

        (3)    Use available data and information to help direct funding to priority areas;

        (4)    Monitor similar loan programs in other states and ensure that the Program remains competitive;

        (5)    Assist the Department in the administration of the Program;

        (6)    Help market and raise awareness of the Program through educational institutions and other appropriate entities as an incentive to health care providers to practice in underserved areas; and

        (7)    Make recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly on any necessary changes to the Program.

    (g)    On or before October 1 each year, the Council shall report to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly on the activities and recommendations of the Council.