Rural relocation grant program

Subpart 2 of part E of title VII of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 295 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: 778A. Rural relocation grant program (a) In general The Secretary shall award grants to eligible physicians, nurses, and dentists for purposes of assisting such individuals in relocating to a rural area in which the individual intends to practice medicine, nursing, or dentistry, as applicable. (b) Eligibility To be eligible to receive a grant under this section, a physician, nurse, or dentist shall— (1) be licensed to practice medicine, nursing, or dentistry, as applicable, in the State in which the rural area to which the individual is relocating is located; (2) prior to such relocation, be practicing in an area that is not a rural area; (3) upon such relocation, have a permanent position in the area to which the individual is relocating and intend to practice in such area for not fewer than 3 years; and (4) submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. (c) Grant amounts; use of funds; repayment (1) In general A grant awarded under this section shall be in an amount determined by the Secretary, not to exceed $20,000. (2) Use of funds An individual receiving a grant under this section may use such grant for eligible life and relocation expenses, as determined by the Secretary. (3) Repayment If an individual receiving a grant under this section leaves the area described in subsection (b)(3) before the expiration of the 3-year period described in such subsection, such individual shall repay to the Secretary an amount equal to 50 percent of the amount of the grant. (d) Authorization of appropriations To carry out this section, there is authorized to be appropriated $1,800,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2026 through 2035..