Attachment B: Application and Program Guidance

Faculty Loan Repayment Program
Fiscal Year 2018
Application and Program Guidance
May 2018

Application Submission Deadline: June 28, 2018, 7:30 pm ET
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Health Resources and Services Administration
Bureau of Health Workforce
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, Maryland 20857
For questions, please call 1-800-221-9393 (TTY: 1-877-897-9910) Monday through Friday
(except federal holidays) 8:00am to 8:00pm ET.
Authority:

Section 738(a) of the Public Health Service Act (42 USC 293b(a)), as amended.
Future changes in the governing statute, implementing regulations and Application and Program
Guidance may also be applicable to Faculty Loan Repayment Program participants.

Table of Contents
PRIVACY ACT NOTIFICATION STATEMENT .................................................................................................. 3
Paperwork Reduction Act Public Burden Statement .................................................................................. 3
PROGRAM OVERVIEW.................................................................................................................................. 4
INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................................... 4
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS AND AWARD PROCESS ................................................................................ 4
UNDERSTANDING THE CONTRACT AND SERVICE OBLIGATION .............................................................. 11
TAXES AND FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS ................................................................................................... 11
SERVICE REQUIREMENTS ........................................................................................................................ 12
PROGRAM COMPLIANCE ........................................................................................................................ 13
Application Information ............................................................................................................................. 17
APPLICATION DEADLINE ......................................................................................................................... 17
COMPLETING AN APPLICATION ............................................................................................................... 17
CONFIRMATION OF INTEREST ................................................................................................................. 24
NOTIFICATION OF AWARD ....................................................................................................................... 25
Additional Information .............................................................................................................................. 26
RESOURCES FOR APPLICANTS ................................................................................................................. 26
DEFINITIONS ............................................................................................................................................ 26

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PRIVACY ACT NOTIFICATION STATEMENT
General
Information provided is pursuant to the Privacy Act of 1974 (Public Law 93-579), as amended, for
individuals supplying information for inclusion in a system of records.
Statutory Authority
Section 738(a) of the Public Health Service Act (PHS), (42 United States Code, Section 293b(a)), as
amended.
Purposes and Uses
The purpose of Faculty Loan Repayment Program (FLRP) is to increase the recruitment and retention of
faculty members from economically and environmentally disadvantaged backgrounds with eligible
health professions degrees or certificates to serve at eligible academic institutions. The goal of FLRP is
to decrease the economic barriers associated with pursuing such careers. The information that
applicants supply will be used to evaluate their eligibility, qualifications, and suitability for participating
in the FLRP. In addition, information from other sources will be considered (e.g., credit bureau reports).
An individual’s contract, application, required supplemental forms, supporting documentation, related
correspondence and data are maintained in a system of records to be used within the U.S. Department
of Health and Human Services to monitor FLRP activities. The information may also be disclosed outside
the Department, as permitted by the Privacy Act and Freedom of Information Act, to the Congress, the
National Archives, the General Accounting Office, and pursuant to court order and various routine uses.
Effects of Nondisclosure
Disclosure of the information sought is voluntary. If the information is not submitted, except for the
replies to questions related to race/ethnicity, an application may be considered incomplete and
therefore may not be considered for funding under this announcement.
Paperwork Reduction Act Public Burden Statement
An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of
information unless it displays a current OMB control number. The current OMB control number for
information collected through this application process is 0915-0150 and the expiration date is
11/30/2018. Public reporting burden for this collection is estimated to average 6 hours per response,
including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining
the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding
this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for
reducing this burden, to HRSA Reports Clearance Office, 5600 Fishers Lane, Room 14N39
Rockville, Maryland 20857.
Non-Discrimination Policy Statement
In accordance with applicable federal laws and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ policy,
the Department does not discriminate on the basis of any non-merit factor, including race, color,
national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability (physical or mental), age,
status as a parent or genetic information.

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Program Overview
Please read the Application and Program Guidance (Guidance) in its entirety before
proceeding with an application. The Guidance explains in detail the rights and obligations of
individuals selected to participate in the FLRP. Applicants are strongly encouraged to print and
retain a copy of the Guidance for future reference. The Guidance explains the contractual
obligations between the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (Secretary of HHS) and
individuals selected to participate in the FLRP. It also includes the financial, legal and other
consequences of failing to perform the mandatory service commitment associated with the
FLRP award. Individuals who are unable to fulfill the two-year service obligation should not
apply for a FLRP award.
INTRODUCTION
The FLRP is administered by the Bureau of Health Workforce (BHW) in the Health Resources
and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
(HHS). FLRP provides individuals who have an interest in eligible health profession careers with
the opportunity to receive loan repayment while serving as faculty members at accredited and
eligible health professions schools.
Benefits of FLRP
(1) Mentorship - By joining past and current FLRP participants across the country,
participants have the opportunity to educate and train the next generation of health
professionals.
(2) Loan Repayment - FLRP provides funds to participants to repay qualifying educational
loans. FLRP awards a lump sum up to a maximum of $40,000, for a two-year service
obligation. Applicants are eligible to apply to FLRP if they are employed by an eligible
health professions school as a full-time or part-time faculty member.
(3) Tax Withholding - To assist participants in meeting their federal tax liability from receipt
of loan repayment funds, FLRP withholds and pays directly to the Internal Revenue
Service (IRS) an amount equal to 39 percent of the total loan repayment award, on the
participant’s behalf.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS AND AWARD PROCESS
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for a FLRP award, all applicants must:
(1) Be a U.S. citizen (either U.S. born or naturalized), U.S. national or a Lawful Permanent
Resident, and must provide documentation of their status. Acceptable documents include,
as applicable, a U.S. birth certificate issued by a city, county, or state agency of the United
States; the identification page of an unexpired U.S. passport; or a Certificate of Citizenship,
a Naturalization Certificate or a Green Card. A Lawful Permanent Resident is also known as a
"Permanent Resident Alien," "Resident Alien Permit Holder," or "Green Card Holder."
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Please note that a state driver’s license or state-issued non-driver’s identification,
Residence Card, Nursing License, or Social Security Card are not acceptable proof of U.S.
citizenship or status as a U.S. national.
(2) Be from an economically or environmentally disadvantaged background. The applicant
must provide certification from a health professions school previously attended that
identifies the individual as coming from an economically or environmentally disadvantaged
background. Applicants also have the option of submitting additional documentation to
satisfy the economic or environmental factors that are listed in the “DEFINITIONS” section
of the Guidance.
Economically Disadvantaged – An individual who comes from a family with an annual
income below a level based on low-income thresholds according to family size published
by the U.S. Bureau of the Census, adjusted annually for changes in the Consumer Price
Index, and adjusted by the Secretary of HHS for use in health professions and nursing
programs.
Environmentally Disadvantaged – An individual who comes from an environment that
has inhibited the person from obtaining the knowledge, skills and abilities required to
enroll in, and graduate from, an undergraduate or graduate school based on a number of
factors.
(3) Have a degree or certificate in one of the following eligible health professions disciplines:
a. Allopathic Medicine;
b. Osteopathic Medicine;
c. Podiatric Medicine;
d. Veterinary Medicine;
e. Dentistry;
f. Pharmacy;
g. Optometry;
h. Nursing (Registered Nurse (RN) or Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN);
i. Public Health (graduate level only);
j. Physician Assistant;
k. Behavioral and Mental Health (graduate level only): clinical psychology, clinical social
work, professional counseling, marriage and family therapy; or
l. Allied Health Professions: dental hygiene, medical laboratory technology, occupational
therapy, physical therapy, radiology technology, speech pathology, respiratory
therapy, audiology, and registered dietitians (baccalaureate or graduate level).
By the application deadline of June 28, 2018, an applicant in the final year of study or in
an approved graduate training program must submit a letter of good standing from the
Program Director indicating the expected date of graduation. The individual must
graduate no later than June 28, 2018 to be eligible for FLRP in Fiscal Year (FY) 2018. An
applicant who obtains a degree or certificate after this date will not be considered for an
award.

5

(4) Have an employment commitment from an eligible health professions school for a fulltime or part-time (as defined by the school) faculty position for a minimum of two years
with employment to commence on or before June 28, 2018. Eligible health professions
schools must be located in a state or U.S. territory, and be an accredited, public or
private non-profit school (see Exception below):
a. Allopathic or osteopathic medicine;
b. Dentistry;
c. Nursing (RN or APRN);
d. Pharmacy;
e. Allied health;
f. Podiatric medicine;
g. Optometry;
h. Veterinary medicine;
i. Public health (graduate level);
j. A school offering physician assistant education programs; or
k. A school offering graduate programs in behavioral and mental health.
(5) Have a written agreement with an eligible health professions school that has agreed to
pay principal and interest for the applicant’s educational loans in an amount equivalent to
the loan repayments made by HHS under FLRP. This agreement is not required if the school
has submitted a request for a full or partial waiver of the match requirement. The match
requirement is in addition to the salary that the faculty member will receive from the
employing institution.
Applicants must provide an official agreement from the employing institution stating the
type of match (full or partial) that it will provide to the employee for the two-year
service period. For a partial match, the intended percentage or amount must be stated
in the official agreement. For institutions that are unable to provide matching loan
repayments, applicants must provide an official letter from the employer requesting a
full or partial waiver with supporting documentation justifying the undue financial
hardship necessary for a waiver to be granted. (See Requirements of the FLRP
Employing Institution).
Applicants will be ineligible if they:
(1) Have any judgment liens arising from a Federal debt;
(2) Have an outstanding contractual obligation or existing service obligation (e.g., under the
National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, the State Loan Repayment
Program, the NURSE Corps Loan Repayment Program, the Nurse Faculty Loan Program,
any local or state-sponsored loan repayment or forgiveness programs, any employersponsored scholarship or recruitment/retention incentive programs, or Active Duty
military obligation) that will not be satisfied by the application submission deadline
[Exception – Individuals in a Reserve component of the Armed Forces, including the
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National Guard are eligible to participate in the FLRP];
(3) Have defaulted on any federal payment obligations (e.g., Health Education Assistance
Loans, Federal Housing Administration Loans, federal income tax liabilities, federally
guaranteed/insured loans such as student loans or home mortgage loans or non-federal
payment obligations (e.g., court-ordered child support payments);
(4) Have defaulted on a prior service obligation to federal, state or local government,
including under the Nurse Faculty Loan Program or the Faculty Loan Repayment
Program, the NURSE Corps Loan Repayment Program or NURSE Corps Scholarship
Program, even if they subsequently satisfied that obligation through service, monetary
payment, or by other means;
(5) Had any federal or non-federal debt written off as uncollectible or had any federal
service or payment obligation waived;
(6) Are currently excluded, debarred, suspended, or disqualified by a federal agency from
participating in a covered transaction;
(7) Have failed to apply all FLRP funds previously received towards the qualifying educational
loans [Payment histories from the lender(s) will be required]; or
(8) Have a temporary or inactive health professions license for their discipline.
Qualifying and Non-Qualifying Educational Loans
Applicants must obtain all qualifying educational loans prior to the application deadline of June
28, 2018. Loans incurred after the application deadline of June 28, 2018 will not be considered for
loan repayment under a FY 2018 FLRP contract, but could be considered under a subsequent FLRP
application and contract.
(1) Qualifying Educational Loans include loans obtained from government (federal, state or
local) or commercial lenders for actual costs:
a. Tuition, fees, and other reasonable educational expenses (see Definitions) incurred for
qualifying education; and
b. Reasonable living expenses (see Definitions) incurred while enrolled in qualifying
education.
Examples of qualifying educational loans are: federal Perkins student loans that are not
subject to cancellation, Stafford Loans, and commercial Supplemental Loans for Students.
(2) Consolidated Educational Loans - An applicant may consolidate or refinance loans before
the application deadline provided that the individual submits loan documentation for the
consolidated or refinanced loans at the time of online application submission. If the loan
documentation does not appear on the online application, the consolidated or refinanced
loans cannot be considered for repayment. If an applicant consolidates qualifying
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educational loans with other ineligible debt or with loans of another individual, the entire
consolidated loan is ineligible.
a. The consolidated or refinanced loans must be from a government (federal, state, or
local) or private commercial lender and must include only the applicant’s qualifying
educational loans; and
b. The original loan dates for the consolidated or refinanced loans must coincide with
the period of the applicant’s qualifying education.
(3) Non-Qualifying Loans include, but are not limited to:
a. Loans for undergraduate or graduate education for which the supporting
documentation does not identify the loan as applicable for an eligible health
profession;
b. Loans obtained from family members or from private institutions, lenders or other
entities that are not subject to federal or state examination and supervision as lenders;
c. Loans that have been paid in full;
d. Parent PLUS Loans (including ALL loans made to parents on behalf of the applicant);
e. Credit Card debt or Personal Lines of Credit;
f. Loans subject to cancellation (e.g., Federal Perkins Loans, loans for faculty
employment at Tribal College or University; Nurse Faculty Loan Program Loans,
Nursing Student Loans), unless the applicant can provide documentation that such
loans are not subject to cancellation; and
NOTE: Loan repayments are subject to periodic verification. Applicants must submit all supporting
documentation for verification of qualifying educational loans. Loans will be verified using the applicant’s
credit report or by contacting the lenders and loan holders. The original date of the applicant’s qualifying
educational loans must occur prior to, or within three months from, the date the health professions
degree or certificate was received.

g. Loans made after the applicant’s qualifying health professions education.
Employing Institution Requirements
The employing institution must be an eligible health professions school and must satisfy the
following requirements:
(1) Employment Contract (required for applicants serving as non-tenured faculty members).
The employing institution must provide a contract to the applicant stating that the
individual will serve as a full-time or part-time (as defined by the school) faculty member
for a minimum of two years. The contract must be submitted as part of the FLRP
application;
(2) Letter of Employment (required for applicants serving as tenured or non-tenured faculty
members). The employing institution must provide a letter on official letterhead to
indicate that the applicant will serve as a full-time or part-time (as defined by the
8

school) faculty member for a minimum of two years and must be submitted as part of
the FLRP application; and
(3) Loan Repayment Agreement or the Waiver of an Employer’s Match Loan Repayment
Requirement. The employing institution must enter into a written agreement with the
applicant to match loan repayments in the same amount made by the FLRP or must
request and be granted a full or partial waiver of the loan repayment requirement.
a. Loan Repayment Agreement. The employing institution’s loan repayment agreement
must provide that:
i. The employing institution will make payments of principal and interest due on the
educational loans of the faculty member in the same amount as made by HHS
under the two-year FLRP contract (the maximum amount is $40,000 for two years;
ii.
In addition to the loan repayments, the faculty member will receive a salary from
the employing institution. The amount of the faculty member’s salary will be
determined without regard to the amount of the payments made by HHS under
the two-year FLRP contract.
b. Waiver of Employer’s Loan Repayment Match Requirement. The Secretary of HHS or
his/her designee may waive all or part of the employing institution’s match
requirement if the school submits documentation justifying it would impose an undue
financial hardship. The following items are examples of documentation that would
support such a waiver request:
i. Documentation of diminished financial resources (e.g., consistent budget cuts,
reduced earnings on endowments, or unexpected expenditures), such that
payment of all or part of the matching loan repayment funds would impose an
undue financial hardship; or
ii. Documentation showing that the institution is engaged in collective bargaining
agreement(s) that prohibits such differential compensation or that would require
the institution to provide a similar amount of support for faculty not covered
under the FLRP.
In instances where the employing institution requests a partial waiver, the employing
institution must also enter into a written agreement with the applicant to pay the
remaining amount of the loan repayment match outlined in subsection (3)a above.
(4) Completion of “Institution Employment/Loan Repayment Verification Form.” The
employing institution must complete the Employment/Loan Repayment Verification
Form and return it to the applicant. The form provides employment information and
verification that the applicant will serve as a faculty member for a minimum of two years
and information regarding the institution’s ability to make loan repayments.

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Award Process
Among eligible applicants, the FLRP selects loan repayment awardees based on a funding tier
that determines the sequential order of awards to be made to qualified applicants. The
selection tiering is based on:
(1) Amount of matching funds provided by the applicant’s employing institution.
There are three match categories: (1) full match of the HHS level of loan repayments, (2)
partial match of the HHS level of loan repayments (i.e., < 100% match); or (3) no match.
Awards are made starting with full match, then to partial match (from greatest percentage
match to least partial match), then to no match. (Please note: For the "partial match” and
“no match” statuses, the applicant’s employing institution must have received approval
for a partial or full waiver of the matching requirement); and
(2) Employment status (i.e., within each match category, applicants working full-time are given
preference over part-time).
FUNDING TIER
First Tier
Second Tier
Third Tier

EMPLOYMENT
1. Full Time with Full (100%) Match
2. Part Time with Full (100%) Match
1. Full Time with Partial (< 100%) Match/Waiver
2. Part Time with Partial (< 100%) Match/Waiver
1. Full Time with No (0%) Match/Waiver
2. Part Time with No (0%) Match/Waiver

Within each tier, awards are made in order of decreasing financial need until all funds are
expended. Please note, partial match awards are made in order of greatest partial match and then in
order of decreasing financial need.
Award Selection
Applicants selected for a FLRP award will receive an email via the BHW Customer Service Portal no
later than September 30, 2018. At that time, the applicant will be required to verify that you are still
working at the eligible health professions school identified in your online application. An email
notifying you that you were selected does not guarantee a FLRP award. Once an applicant is
selected for an award, the participant will be provided with information to login to the BHW
Customer Service Portal.
Award History
FLRP is a highly competitive program and awards are subject to the availability of funds.
Historically, FLRP funds are expended prior to the funding of all eligible applications.

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Fiscal Year

# of Eligible Applications
Received

# of Initial Awards
Made

2017
2016
2015

189
162
139

22
21
21

UNDERSTANDING THE CONTRACT AND SERVICE OBLIGATION
Service Obligation
FLRP participants will receive up to a maximum of $40,000, for a full-time or part-time two-year
service obligation.
Salary and Benefits
The employing institution cannot guarantee a FLRP contract. FLRP participants will receive a
salary and benefits from the employing health professions school. Employment compensation
packages including salary are negotiable between the participant and the employer. Please
note that FLRP loan repayments should not be a part of the compensation negotiations.
TAXES AND FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
The FLRP payments are subject to federal income tax and Federal Insurance Contributions Act
(FICA) taxes (Social Security and Medicare). In accordance with the Internal Revenue Service
(IRS) requirements, all FLRP payments and federal taxes withheld will be reported on a Form W2 Wage and Tax Statement, after the end of the tax year, to the participant and to the IRS. Loan
repayments may also be subject to state and local income tax. Loan repayments paid to the
participant after federal tax withholding may only be used to repay qualifying educational
loans. Please note that FLRP is unable to give tax advice. We suggest that you speak with a tax
professional, visit www.irs.gov, or contact the IRS through their TAX HELP LINE at (800) 8291040if you have questions about your taxes.
You may also take advantage of the option to select and receive your Form W-2, Wage and Tax
Statement electronically. To do so, you must make your request, no later than January 15,
2019. To access your W-2 electronically in your BHW Customer Service Portal account, please
follow the instructions listed below.
Instructions for Requesting a Form W-2 Wage and Tax Statement Electronically by January 15,
2019
1. Login to your BHW Customer Service Portal Account
2. Under the “Need Assistance” section, select the “Set My Tax Document Delivery
Preference” link
3. Read the Agreement
4. Select your delivery preference
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5. Click the “Submit” button.
If you do not submit a request to receive your W-2 electronically before January 15, 2019, it will
be mailed to your address on file in the BHW Customer Service Portal. It is critical that your
name, mailing and email addresses, and banking information are up to date.
All online W-2s will be posted no later than January 31 of each year. If your W-2 form is not
available by that date, please submit an inquiry via the BHW Customer Service Portal.
Under the Treasury Offset Program, the U.S. Department of the Treasury is authorized to offset
the FLRP payments for delinquent federal and state debts such as child support.
Important Notes:
(1) Participants must use the FLRP payments to pay the lenders or holders of their qualifying
educational loans listed on the Payment Authorization Worksheet (PAW) provided with
the award notice. FLRP will contact a participant’s lenders to verify that award payments
were applied to approved qualifying loans.
(2) Participants can update their personal information, name changes, email and mailing
addresses, telephone numbers or banking information at any time via the BHW Customer
Service Portal. If a participant has a name change, you must notify FLRP immediately and
submit legal documentation such as a copy of a marriage certificate or court order to
ensure uninterrupted disbursements of loan repayment funds. A copy of a driver’s license
is not acceptable.
(3) Participants must also notify the FLRP of changes in employment status, including
extended periods of leave. Participants must request a transfer if considering changing
schools, at least one (1) month in advance of the proposed change. Before FLRP’s
consideration and approval of a transfer, the participant must comply with all eligibility
requirements.
(4) Participants who were previously awarded a FLRP contract may apply for a new two-year
contract if they have:
a. Completed the previous FLRP service obligation in good standing;
b. Remaining qualifying educational loans; and
c. Provided a payment history showing that all previously awarded FLRP funds were
applied to approved qualifying educational loans.
SERVICE REQUIREMENTS
Service Obligation Life Cycle
The FLRP contract becomes effective when countersigned and executed by the Secretary of
HHS or his/her designee. If your FLRP contract is countersigned, you will receive a FLRP award
12

notice with further instructions in the BHW Customer Service Portal. A FLRP participant must
provide full or part-time service (as defined by the school) as a faculty member at an eligible
health professions school for a period of two consecutive years beginning on the effective date of
the contract. A participant’s start date will be the date the Secretary of HHS or his/her designee
countersigns the FLRP contract, or the date the participant commences employment at the eligible
health professions school, whichever is later. An applicant’s signature alone on the FLRP contract
does not constitute a contractual agreement. Employment prior to the Secretary of HHS’
countersigning of the FLRP contract does not count toward the fulfillment of the service obligation.
Under the FLRP guidelines, a participant must fulfill the two-year service obligation at the
employing institution identified in the online application. A faculty member position must
primarily consist of teaching (as defined by the employing institution).
PROGRAM COMPLIANCE
Worksite Absences
No more than seven (7) weeks, thirty-five (35) work days of the applicant’s scheduled work
period nine (9) to twelve (12) months per service year can be spent away from the health
professions school for vacation, holidays, continuing education, illness,
maternity/paternity/adoption, or for any other reason. Program-approved absences totaling
greater than seven (7) weeks, thirty-five (35) work-days during the scheduled work period of a
service year will require an extension of the service obligation end date.
Service Verification
The FLRP verifies a participant’s compliance or noncompliance with the service obligation through
the online In-Service Verification (ISV) process every six (6) months. The ISV must be completed
by the approved health professions school, through the BHW Customer Service Portal. By
completing the ISV process, the school is certifying a participant’s compliance or non-compliance
status with the service obligation for that six-month period. The ISV also records the amount of
time a participant is away from the school during the six-month period. It is the participant’s
responsibility to make sure that they report on their ISV and that their employer completes the
ISV every six (6) months.
Failure of the employing institution to complete the six-month ISV process when due may
jeopardize the participant’s ability to receive service credit and may lead to a recommendation for
default (see section on Breaching the Contract). Late submission of ISVs may also impact the
eligibility for a future contract.
Leaving an Approved Service Site Prior to Completion of Service
If a participant decides to resign or leave the approved health professions school without prior
FLRP approval or fails to request or to receive written approval for the transfer, this may result in
a recommendation for default. Once a transfer is approved, and the participant starts service at
the new eligible health professions school, the participant’s service end date will be extended, if
there was a break in service. The new employing institution must agree to meet all FLRP
requirements for the applicant’s employing institution.
13

If the transfer is approved, but the participant does not resume service at the approved eligible
health professions school within ninety (90) days after ceasing employment at the initial
employing institution, the participant may be recommended for default of the FLRP contract.
Transfer Request to another Approved Service Site
The FLRP expects that a participant will fulfill the service obligation at the initial health
professions school. If a participant needs to transfer to another site, the participant must notify
the FLRP by submitting a site change request through the BHW Customer Service Portal at least
one month in advance of the proposed change. The request should include: (a) the reason for the
transfer; and (b) a letter or certification from the participant’s prospective health professions
school verifying the eligibility of the school, including whether it is public, private non-profit, or
private for-profit; and indicate what type of discipline the participant will be teaching.
Participants will receive an official decision from the FLRP via the BHW Customer Service Portal
regarding the approval or denial of the transfer request.
Breaching the FLRP Contract
Participants should contact FLRP immediately if a situation arises in which a participant is
potentially unable to fulfill the service obligation. The FLRP will work with participants to assist
them in fulfilling the service obligation to the extent possible to avoid defaulting or breaching
the FLRP contract. A participant who breaches the FLRP contract by failing to begin or complete
the two-year service obligation will be placed in default and will be liable to pay an amount
equal to the sum of the following:
(1) The amount of loan repayments paid to the participant representing any period of
obligated service not completed, plus thirty-nine (39) percent of that amount
(representing the amount paid and withheld for federal taxes on that amount); and
(2) $1,000 multiplied by the number of months of obligated service not completed.
Please note that a breach of the contract will permanently disqualify the individual from receiving
future awards under the FLRP and some other federal programs.
Any amounts the United States is entitled to recover, as set forth above, must be paid within
thirty (30) days from the mailing date of HHS’s first demand letter. If these amounts are not
repaid by the due date, interest and other delinquent charges will be assessed as provided by
45 Code of Federal Regulations Section 30.18.
Failure to pay the FLRP debt by the due date also has the following consequences:
(1) Report to Credit Bureaus – The debt will be reported to the credit reporting agencies as
“delinquent.”
(2) Debt Collection – Any FLRP debt past due for forty-five (45) days will be referred to a debt
collection agency. If the debt collection agency is unsuccessful in collecting the payment
in full, the debt will be referred to the Department of Justice for enforced collection.
14

(3) Administrative Offset – Federal and state payments due to the participant (e.g., an IRS or
state income tax refund) may be offset by the Department of Treasury to repay a
delinquent FLRP debt. Recovery through Administrative Wage Garnishment may be
enforced to repay a delinquent FLRP debt.
(4) Bankruptcy – A financial obligation under the FLRP may only be discharged in bankruptcy
if the discharge is granted more than seven years after the due date and only if a
bankruptcy court determines that the non-discharge of the debt would be
unconscionable.
Suspensions & Waivers
The Secretary of HHS may, under certain circumstances, suspend (put “on hold”) or waive
(excuse) the FLRP service or payment obligation. A request for a suspension or waiver must be
submitted through the BHW Customer Service Portal. Additional supporting documentation will
be required following submission of the request.
Suspension
This mechanism provides temporary relief to a FLRP participant if the individual has a short-term
(not permanent) circumstance that currently makes compliance with the obligation impossible,
or would involve an extreme hardship such that enforcement of the obligation would be
unconscionable. Periods of approved suspension will extend a participant’s FLRP service
obligation end date. All periods of time away from the approved academic institution should be
documented by the employer through the six-month ISV process. If the total time a participant is
away from the site, including the period of suspension, exceeds seven (7) weeks (thirty-five (35)
work days) per service year the service obligation end date will be extended accordingly. (See
Service Requirements section).
The major categories of service suspensions are:
a. Leave of Absence for Medical or Personal Reasons – A suspension may be granted for up to
one year. However, a participant must provide independent medical documentation of a
physical or mental health disability, or personal circumstances, including a terminal illness of
an immediate family member (e.g., parent, child or spouse, including same-sex spouse
regardless of where the couple lives), which results in the participant’s temporary inability to
perform the FLRP service obligation. Upon receipt of the written suspension request through
the BHW Customer Service Portal, the FLRP will notify the participant of the instructions for
submitting additional supporting documentation.
b. Maternity/Paternity/Adoption Leave – Participants must notify the FLRP of pending
maternity/paternity/adoption leave and provide appropriate documentation.
Maternity/paternity/adoption leave up to twelve (12) weeks will be automatically approved, if
properly documented. If the participant’s maternity/paternity/adoption leave will exceed
twelve (12) weeks during that service year, a suspension may be granted by the FLRP based
on documented medical need or if additional parental leave time is permitted under state
law.
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c. Call to Active Duty in the Armed Forces – Participants who are military reservists and are
called to active duty will be granted a suspension, for up to one (1) year, beginning on the
activation date described in the reservist’s call to active duty order. In addition to the
written request for a suspension, a copy of the order to active duty must be submitted to
FLRP. The suspension will be extended if the applicable Armed Forces entity continues the
period of active duty. The period of active military duty will not be credited toward the FLRP
service obligation.
Waiver
A waiver permanently relieves the participant of all or part of the FLRP obligation. A waiver will
be granted only if the participant demonstrates that compliance with the obligation is (a)
permanently impossible or (b) would involve an extreme hardship such that enforcement of the
obligation would be unconscionable. A waiver request must be submitted by uploading a signed
request letter, including the reason(s) the waiver is being sought, as an inquiry to the FLRP
through the BHW Customer Service Portal. The participant will be contacted by the BHW Division
of Participant Support and Compliance regarding the medical and financial documentation
necessary to complete the waiver request. Waivers require a demonstration of compelling
circumstances and are not routinely granted.
Cancellation of FLRP Obligation
A participant’s obligation will be cancelled only in the unfortunate event of death. No liability
will be transferred to the participant’s heirs.

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Application Information
Please read the Application and Program Guidance (Guidance) in its entirety before
proceeding with an application.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
A complete electronic application with all supporting documentation must be submitted by June
28, 2018, 7:30 pm ET, via the BHW Customer Service Portal. The Institution Employment/Loan
Repayment Verification Form must be completed before an applicant can submit the application.
Upon completion and submission of the online application, applicants will receive a printable
receipt for their records.
COMPLETING AN APPLICATION
Application Information
The FLRP application consists of (1) an online application and (2) supporting documentation (if
applicable). Applicants should keep a copy of the submitted application package for their
records. Applicants are responsible for submitting a complete application. The information in
the online application must match the submitted supporting documentation. Application
packages will be initially reviewed for completeness. Application packages deemed incomplete
(e.g., missing, illegible, or incomplete application materials) as of the application deadline will
not be considered for funding.
FLRP will not accept requests to update a submitted application or permit the
submission/resubmission of incomplete, rejected, or otherwise delayed application materials
after the deadline of June 28, 2018. In addition, FLRP will not fill in any missing information or
contact applicants regarding missing information.
Instructions for Online Application
Before attempting to complete the online application, the FLRP recommends that applicants:
(1) Download and complete all required Supplemental Documents and Forms;
(2) Develop a list of all institutions (diploma school, college, university) for all loans that will be
submitted for loan repayment towards eligible health professions degrees or
certifications. Applicants will be required to provide the type of degree received, the
school name and address, the start and end dates of attendance, the graduation date, if
applicable; and
(3) Develop a Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume which documents all education, training and
degrees accounting for all periods of employment since the completion of the eligible
health professions education.
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Materials Needed to Apply
To apply to the FLRP, applicants must submit an application package consisting of:
(1) ONLINE APPLICATION
Applicants are required to complete each of the sections below to be able to submit an
online application. The information collected in the online application will provide an
initial ranking of your application based on funding preferences.
(2) REQUIRED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
It is the applicant’s responsibility to upload all required supporting documents with the
online application by 7:30 pm ET on June 28, 2018. Failure to submit a complete
application package by the deadline will deem the applicant ineligible for consideration
of a FLRP award. Applicants must upload all supporting documents at the time of the
online application submission.
Supporting Documentation
(1) Employment Contract (Required only if the applicant is serving as a non-tenured faculty
member.) The applicant must submit a copy of the contract to validate the full-time or
part-time employment with the academic institution. The contract should document the
individual’s effective start and end dates, in addition to the base salary. If the
employment contract is not submitted at the time of application, the faculty member will
be ineligible for FLRP.
OR
(2) Letter of Employment. The applicant must submit a letter of employment on an official
school letterhead to validate full-time or part-time employment for a minimum of two
years at an eligible health professions’ institution.
(3) Proof of U.S. Citizenship, U.S. National or Lawful Permanent Resident Status. Applicants
must provide proof of U.S. citizenship or status as a U.S. national or Lawful Permanent
Resident (e.g., U.S. birth certificate, a copy of a certificate of citizenship or nationalization,
unexpired U.S. passport ID page, or Green Card).
(4) Proof of Disadvantaged Background. An official document on school letterhead from the
health professions school previously attended by the applicant, signed and authorized by
a program or school administrator indicating that the applicant was economically or
environmentally disadvantaged (see Definitions section).
(5) Health Professions Degree or Certificate. Applicants must provide a copy of official health
professions degree(s) or certificate(s) as awarded by the eligible institution(s). The
document must include the applicant’s name, type of degree, date conferred, and
signature by an authorized Program Director, dean, or other school official.
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OR
Letter of Good Standing. For applicants in the final year of approved graduate training or
study, an official letter from the Program Director indicating the expected date of
graduation.
(6) Curriculum Vitae/Resume. Individuals are required to submit a Curriculum Vitae (CV),
which documents all education, training, and degrees, and accounts for all time periods
and employment since the applicant’s completion of a qualifying health professions
education.
(7) Transcripts. Applicants must submit transcript(s) from each college, university or health
professions school attended for all health professions education coursework directly
related to the attainment of their degree(s) or certificate(s), if the applicant is seeking
repayment for loans incurred while attending that institution. The transcript must state
the name of the institution, dates of attendance, and courses taken. If a degree was
obtained, the transcript must include the type of degree and the date it was conferred.
Unofficial and official transcripts are acceptable.
(8) Employer’s Agreement to Loan Repayment Match/Request for a Waiver of the Loan
Repayment Match. The applicant must submit the documentation outlined in (a), (b) or
(c) below:
a) A copy of the employer’s written agreement to pay the applicant a loan repayment
amount equal to the FLRP loan repayment amount;
b) A request from the applicant’s employer for a full waiver requirement to match the
FLRP loan repayment amount with supporting documentation of undue financial
hardship; OR
c) A request from the applicant’s employer for a partial waiver requirement to match the
FLRP loan repayment amount with supporting documentation of undue financial
hardship and a copy of the employer’s written agreement to pay the applicant the
remainder of the loan repayment match amount.
(9) Authorization to Release Information Form. This form authorizes HHS and its
contractors to release information that identifies the applicant for purposes of obtaining
educational loan information from lenders. It also authorizes any program to which the
applicant owes a health professions service obligation to release information to HHS and
its contractors. This form must be uploaded and submitted with the online application.
Please see the “FLRP Supplemental Forms” package for more details.

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(10) Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Disqualification, and Related Matters
Form. This form contains a certification regarding whether an applicant is barred by
federal law from participating in “covered transactions” or has been convicted of, or
indicted for, certain offenses. Applicants should read the entire form and sign the
certification at the bottom of the form that is applicable to their situation.
(11) Institution Employment/Loan Repayment Verification Form. The applicant’s employer
must fill out this form and return it to the applicant. The form must be uploaded and
submitted with the online application.
a) Name of the Institution refers to the employing university or college where the
applicant will work to fulfill the FLRP service obligation.
b) Employment start date is the actual date the applicant begins working at the
employing institution. Faculty employment prior to the effective date of the FLRP
contract will not count toward the fulfillment of the two-year service obligation.
The applicant’s employer or designated human resources officer’s name, title, mailing
address, phone, email, signature and the date of signature are required on the form.
(12) Loan Documentation. All loan documentation must come from the lender. Please
review the types of qualifying and non-qualifying loans (see Eligibility Requirements).
Applicants must include all loans for undergraduate and graduate education they wish to
be considered for repayment. If an applicant has multiple loans with the same servicing
lender, you must enter separate documentation for each loan. To verify and determine
the eligibility of all submitted loans, FLRP will contact lenders and check the applicant’s
credit report.
To successfully complete all FLRP loan documents, you must include all the identifiable
information, name, lenders’ name(s) and account number(s) on all your loan
documentation. For each loan, provide the following:
a) Account Statements must be current within 30 days of the date of the application and
contain:
• Applicant’s Name
• Lender’s Name(s)
• Account Number
• Current Balance (Principal and Interest)
To obtain a copy of your account statements, visit the lender’s website or call your lender.
b) Disbursement Report must contain:
• Type of Loan
• Original Loan Date
• Original Loan Amount
• Consolidation Dates (if applicable)
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NOTE: For federal loans, visit the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS).
For private commercial loans, the documents that provide disbursement information are:
• Promissory notes
• Disclosure statements
• Letters directly from the lender containing the pertinent information
Applicants may obtain disbursement information for private loans from the lender’s
website or can contact the lender. All documentation must come from the lender.
Please Note: Loans subject to cancellation (e.g., Perkins loans) are not eligible under FLRP
unless the applicant can provide documentation that these loans are not subject to
cancellation.

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Loan Type
Individual Federal
Loans

Consolidated
Federal Loans

Individual Private
Loans

Consolidated
Private Loans

Any loans that are
subject to
cancellation

Account Statement
The most recent account statement
for each loan showing the current
balance (call or visit your lender’s
website).

Disbursement Report
The main page of your Aid Summary Report
from the NSLDS website ONLY. If you have
multiple federal loans, only one report is
required for submission.

The most recent account statement
for each consolidation loan that has
a current balance (call or visit your
lender’s website).

An Aid Summary Report from the NSLDS
website. Only one report is required for
submission, it must clearly show all loans in
the consolidation.

The most recent account statements
for each loan that has a current
balance (call or visit your lender’s
website).

A disbursement report(s) from the lender,
showing the loan type, original loan amount
and original loan date. You may need to
submit more than one type of
disbursement report per loan to meet the
requirements.

The most recent account statement
for each consolidation loan that has
a current balance. Call or visit your
lender’s website.

A disbursement(s) report clearly showing all
the loans in the consolidation. Each loan
must have its original loan amount and the
original loan date indicated.

The most recent account statements A disbursement report(s) from the lender,
for each loan with a current balance showing the loan type, original loan amount
(call or visit your lender’s website). and original loan date. You may need to
submit more than one type of disbursement
report per loan to meet the requirements.

Documentation from the school showing that the loans are not
subject to cancellation
OR
Documentation from the current lender indicating that the loans
were consolidated and paid off.

(13) Previous Payment History (If applicable). Applicants who were previously awarded a
FLRP contract and have applied for a new two-year contract must submit a payment
history from their lenders/holders for each loan that was included on the PAW for their
previous two-year FLRP contract. The document must include the lender’s name,
account holder’s name, and account number, and must reflect that the total award
received was applied to the previous approved loan(s). Payments made to loans prior to
the original FLRP service start date will not be considered.
Application Review and Award Process
Upon completion and submission of the online application, applicants will receive an email
confirming a successful submission. Applicants are strongly encouraged to upload all supporting
22

documents in a PDF format to expedite processing of the application. You will be able to view the
uploaded documents; it is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the information
uploaded is accurate and viewable. When uploading documents to your online application,
please be sure that they do not exceed 5MB as the system cannot handle larger documents.
Multiple-paged documents should be scanned and saved into one document.
FLRP frequently corresponds with applicants by email and via the BHW Customer Service Portal. It
is critical that applicants identify and maintain a current email address. Please check your emails
during the application process for correspondence from the FLRP and remember to disable all
SPAM blockers and to check your SPAM folder for emails.
Change in Job Status during the Application Process
Applicants may switch to a position at another eligible health professions school prior to
submitting their online application and still be considered for a FLRP award. However, the
employment information in the online application must match the information on the Institution
Employment/Loan Repayment Verification Form. Therefore, if an applicant changes jobs and the
online application is not updated, or a completed Institution Employment/Loan Repayment
Verification Form is not uploaded from the corresponding facility by the deadline submission date,
the applicant will not be considered for an FLRP award.
Withdrawing the Application
The FLRP contract becomes effective on the date it is countersigned by the Secretary of HHS or
his/her designee. An applicant may withdraw the application at any time prior to the Secretary
signing the contract and remain eligible to apply for the FLRP in the future. Once the contract
becomes effective, the applicant is obligated to provide two-year of full or part-time service at
the health professions school identified in the application. If an applicant fails to commence
service on the effective date of the contract, the applicant will be in breach of the contract,
placed in default, and will be permanently disqualified from receiving future awards under the
FLRP and some other federal programs.
Therefore, as soon as an applicant becomes aware that (s)he will not be able to commence service
at the health professions school identified in the application, the applicant should submit a
request through the BHW Customer Service Portal to withdraw the application.
Consolidation of Education Loans
Loan consolidation or refinances before the application deadline are acceptable, provided the
applicant submits loan documentation for the consolidated or refinanced loan(s) before the
application deadline of June 28, 2018. If the loan documentation is not received by the
application deadline and the consolidated loan does not appear on the online application, the
consolidated or refinanced loan(s) will not be considered for loan repayment. If the applicant has
consolidated otherwise qualifying educational loans with any other debt or with the loans of
another individual, the entire consolidated loan is ineligible for the FLRP award.
Loans that are consolidated or refinanced after the application deadline and prior to the date
23

the contract is countersigned by the Secretary of HHS or his/her designee will not be considered
for loan repayment.
CONFIRMATION OF INTEREST
A Confirmation of Interest (COI) email will be sent to notify award finalists to log into their
account to confirm that they are interested in receiving a FRLP award, and to verify that they
are still working full-time or part-time at the health professions school listed on the submitted
online application. If all verifiable information is correct, applicants will be asked to read and
electronically sign the FLRP contract, but must accept the award by the deadline listed in the
COI email.
The electronic signature is legally binding and has the same effect as one handwritten. Once the
FLRP contract is countersigned by the Secretary of HHS or his/her designee, it obligates the
applicant to a two-year service commitment. If the applicant does not respond by the deadline,
the COI will expire and be offered to an alternate applicant. Please note that the COI is not a
guarantee that the applicant will receive an award, as awards are subject to the availability of
funds.
To confirm interest in receiving a FLRP award, an applicant must respond by the deadline
provided with the COI email and verify that:
• She/he has an employment commitment from an eligible health professions school for a
full-time or part-time faculty position.
• She/he currently has a degree or certification in an eligible health professions discipline.
• The loans approved by the FLRP for repayment are correct.
In addition, applicants will be required to provide their direct deposit banking information for
award funds in the event they receive a FLRP contract. If applicants decide after signing the
FLRP contract that they are unable to fulfill the service obligation for any reason, the individuals
should notify the FLRP immediately through the BHW Customer Service Portal that they no
longer wish to receive FLRP funding.
Please Note:
• If the Secretary or designee has not yet countersigned the contract, the individual will
not incur a service obligation or pay a penalty for withdrawing;
• If the Secretary or designee has already signed the contract, the individual has a legally
binding contract to complete the service obligation. Even if the participant withdraws,
the individual will incur a penalty.
Applicants who no longer wish to receive FLRP funding will be asked to log into their BHW
Customer Service Portal account and check the "decline" box for COI. The applicant’s decision
to decline the award is final. Once an applicant declines the offer of award, the award will be
offered to the next applicant in rank order until available funds are exhausted.
24

If an applicant does not complete the COI process by the deadline, the application may be
withdrawn from consideration for the fiscal year. An applicant who withdraws may apply during
a future application cycle and must meet all eligibility requirements for that fiscal year.
NOTIFICATION OF AWARD
The FLRP contract only becomes effective when countersigned and executed by the Secretary of
HHS or his/her designee. If your FLRP contract is countersigned, you will receive a FLRP award
notice instructing you to download the following documents from the BHW Customer Service
Portal.
In addition, you will be required to complete the additional required forms (e.g., FLRP contract
and banking information) to facilitate the electronic transfer of funds via the BHW Customer
Service Portal. Award payments will be made 90 days after the participant’s start date of the FLRP
contract:
1. Award Letter
2. Welcome Packet
3. Participant Award Worksheet (PAW)
4. FLRP Signed Contract
5. FLRP Site Letter
Applicants not awarded a FLRP contract will be notified by email via the BHW Customer Service
Portal no later than September 30, 2018.
What to Expect after Receiving a FLRP Award
Participants will receive their award payments in one lump sum through an electronic funds
transfer to the participant’s checking or savings account identified on the banking information
submitted by the participant. Payments to participants’ accounts will be processed via direct
deposit, approximately ninety (90) days after the effective date of the FLRP contract.
If, for any reason, a participant does not receive the scheduled lump sum payment, the
participant should immediately contact the FLRP via the BHW Customer Service Portal or
Customer Care Center at 1-800-221-9393 (TTY- 1877-897-9910).

25

Additional Information
RESOURCES FOR APPLICANTS
Customer Care Center
Any individual with questions about the FLRP may contact the Customer Care Center Monday
through Friday (except federal holidays), 8:00 am to 8:00 pm ET.
• 1-800-221-9393 (TTY – 1-877-897-9910)
BHW Customer Service Portal
If selected for an award, you will be provided with instructions for establishing an account on
the BHW Customer Service Portal. This web-based system will allow FLRP participants to
communicate with the FLRP to make certain requests (e.g., suspensions, transfers, waivers),
and to access the 6-month In-Service Verification Form.
FLRP Social Media
• HRSA Facebook
DEFINITIONS
Commercial Loans – Loans made by banks, credit unions, savings and loan associations, insurance
companies, schools, and other financial or credit institutions that are subject to examination and
supervision in their capacity as lenders by an agency of the United States or of the state in which
the lender has its principal place of business.
Default of Payment Obligation – An individual is more than one hundred twenty (120) days past
due on the payment of a financial obligation.
Default of Service Obligation – Failure to begin or complete the FLRP contractual service
commitment without an approved suspension or waiver.
Existing Service Obligation – An obligation which is owed to, and provided for, under an
agreement with a federal, state, or local government or any other entity (e.g., under the
National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, National Health Service Corps
Scholarship Program, the NURSE Corps Loan Repayment Program, the NURSE Corps Scholarship
Program, the State Loan Repayment Program, the Nurse Faculty Loan Repayment Program, any
local or state-sponsored loan repayment or forgiveness program, or an employer-sponsored
scholarship or recruitment or retention incentive program, or an Active Duty military
obligation).
Family Member – As used in this APG and for the purposes of the FLRP, “family member”
includes spouses, as well as unmarried partners (both same-sex or opposite sex).
Federal Judgment Lien – A lien placed on an individual’s home or property when a court-ordered
judgment is entered against the individual for an unpaid federal debt (e.g., a federal student loan
26

or a federally insured home mortgage). An IRS tax lien not created pursuant to a court-ordered
judgment is not a federal judgment lien.
Fiscal Year (FY) – The federal FY is October 1 through September 30.
Government Loans – Loans made by federal, state, county or city agencies authorized by law to
make such loans.
Individual from a Disadvantaged Background – An individual certified by the health professions
school (previously attended by the applicant) as having come from a “disadvantaged background”
based on economic or environmental factors.
Economically Disadvantaged – the individual comes from a family with an annual income
below a level based on low-income thresholds according to family size published by the
U.S. Bureau of the Census, adjusted annually for changes in the Consumer Price index, and
adjusted by the Secretary of HHS, for use in health professions and nursing programs.
o Receipt of Pell grants is considered proof of an economic disadvantaged
background.
Environmentally Disadvantaged – the individual comes from an environment that has
inhibited the person from obtaining the knowledge, skill, and abilities required to enroll in,
or graduate from, an undergraduate or graduate school based on factors including, but
not limited to, the following:
o Graduated from (or last attended) a high school from which a low percentage of
seniors received a high school diploma;
o Graduated from (or last attended) a high school at which, many of the enrolled
students are eligible for free or reduced price lunches;
o Comes from a family that receives public assistance (e.g., Temporary Assistance to
Needy Families, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Medicaid, public
housing);
o Comes from a family that lives or lived in an area that is designated under section
332 of the Public Health Service Act as a Health Professional Shortage Area or is
designated as a Medically Underserved Area;
o Participated in an academic enrichment program funded in whole or in part by the
Health Careers Opportunity Program, authorized by section 739 of the Public
Health Service Act;
o Did not complete high school but received an Adult High School (AHS) Diploma or
27

General Educational Development or has received or is receiving public
assistance;
o Comes from a school district where fifty (50) percent or less of graduates go to
college or where college education is not encouraged;
o Is the first generation to attend college;
o Has a diagnosed physical or mental impairment that substantially limits the
person’s participation in educational experiences and opportunities offered by the
college;
o For whom English is not the primary language and took a Test of English as a
Foreign Language (TOEFL) before entering health professions school; or
o Was accepted to the health professions program after academic reassessment at
the completion of remedial courses.
Lender – The commercial, private, or government institution that initially made the qualifying
educational loan (e.g., Department of Education). “Lender” also includes “holder,” which is the
commercial, private, or government institution that currently holds the promissory note for the
qualifying educational loan (e.g., Sallie Mae).
Participant Award Worksheet (PAW) – A detailed disbursement report reflecting the
participant’s approved loans that qualify for repayment under the FLRP award. Monthly
payments received by the participant can only be applied to the loans listed on the PAW.
Qualifying Educational Loans – Government and commercial loans for actual costs paid for
tuition, and reasonable educational and living expenses related to the undergraduate or graduate
education of the participant. Such loans must have been incurred prior to the application
deadline, and there must be documentation to support that the loans were contemporaneous
with the education received. Participants will receive funds for repayment of qualifying
educational loans that are still owed. If the applicant has consolidated qualifying educational
loans with any other debt, or consolidated loans with loans of another individual, the
consolidated loan is ineligible.
Reasonable Educational Expenses – The costs for books, supplies, laboratory expenses,
educational equipment and materials for qualifying education which do not exceed the school’s
estimated standard student budget for educational expenses for the participant’s degree
program and for the year(s) of that participant’s enrollment.
Reasonable Living Expenses –The costs of room and board, transportation and commuting costs,
and other costs which do not exceed the school’s estimated standard student budget for living
28

expenses at that school for the participant’s degree program and for the year(s) of that
participant’s enrollment.
Spouse and Marriage – As used in this APG and for the purposes of the FLRP, “spouse” includes
same-sex married couples as well as opposite-sex married couples. In accordance with the
Supreme Court decisions in United States v. Windsor and in Obergefell v. Hodges, the
Department of Health and Human Services will treat as valid marriages of same-sex couples.
The term “spouse” does not include individuals in registered domestic partnerships, civil unions
or similar formal relationships recognized under state law as something other than a marriage.
State – As used in this APG, state includes the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, the U.S. Virgin
Islands, Territory of American Samoa, Territory of Guam, Republic of Palau, Republic of the
Marshall Islands, and Federated States of Micronesia.
Suspension – A temporary status. A suspension of the service or payment obligation will be
granted if compliance with the obligation by the participant (1) is temporarily impossible or (2)
would involve a temporary extreme hardship such that enforcement of the obligation would be
unconscionable. All requests for a suspension must be submitted in writing via the BHW Customer
Service Portal and be supported by full medical, financial, or other relevant documentation,
where applicable.
Waiver (Employer) – The employing institution’s matching requirement may be waived by the
Secretary of HHS or his/her designee in full or part, as the Secretary of HHS or his/her designee
determines, based on documentation submitted by the employing institution, that the
requirement will impose an undue financial hardship on the employing institution.
Waiver (Participant) – A permanent status. A waiver of the service or payment obligation will
only be granted if compliance with the obligation by the participant (1) is permanently impossible
or (2) would involve a permanent extreme hardship such that enforcement of the obligation
would be unconscionable. All requests for a waiver must be submitted via the BHW Customer
Service Portal and the compelling circumstances required must be supported by full medical,
financial, or other relevant documentation, where applicable.

29