Section 18-704 - Physical and Occupational Therapists and Physical and Occupational Therapy Assistants Grant Program [Section subject to repeal].
§ 18-704. Physical and Occupational Therapists and Physical and Occupational Therapy Assistants Grant Program [Section subject to repeal].
(a) Definitions.-
(1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2) "Eligible institution" means an accredited college or university that has a program of studies that would lead to licensing as a physical therapist, physical therapist assistant, occupational therapist, or occupational therapy assistant.
(3) "Eligible program" means a program necessary for licensing as a physical therapist, physical therapist assistant, occupational therapist, or occupational therapy assistant.
(4) "Handicapped child" has the meaning set forth in § 8-401 of this article.
(5) "Occupational therapist" and "occupational therapy assistant" have the meanings set forth in § 10-101 of the Health Occupations Article.
(6) "Physical therapist" and "physical therapist assistant" have the meanings set forth in § 13-101 of the Health Occupations Article.
(7) "Recipient" means a recipient of tuition assistance under this section.
(8) "Tuition assistance" means any funds provided for the cost of basic instructional charges, fees, room, board, or other related educational expenses.
(9) "Service obligation" means the obligation of recipients to provide physical or occupational therapy to handicapped children.
(b) Program established.-
(1) Economic Development Student Assistance Grants may be awarded as tuition assistance grants to train physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, occupational therapists, and occupational therapy assistants.
(2) The Commission shall adopt guidelines or regulations to determine academic criteria for selection of recipients from eligible applicants.
(c) Purpose; service obligation; qualifications of recipients; amount of award.-
(1) The Office of Student Financial Assistance shall distribute annually to eligible applicants tuition assistance grants to train in physical or occupational therapy.
(2) At least 25 of the annual grants awarded under this section shall require the service obligation to be satisfied by providing service to handicapped children, as defined under subsection (a)(9) of this section.
(3) A recipient of an Economic Development Student Assistance Grant awarded under this section shall:
(i) Be selected by the Office of Student Financial Assistance from qualified applicants based on competitive standards;
(ii) Be enrolled as a full-time student in an eligible program at an eligible institution; and
(iii) Upon completion of degree studies, or completion of certification studies, perform the service obligation.
(4) The annual amount of tuition assistance under this section shall not exceed $2,000.
(d) Renewal of award.- A recipient of an economic development grant awarded under this section may renew a grant if the recipient:
(1) Remains enrolled full time in an eligible program in physical or occupational therapy; and
(2) Satisfies any additional criteria the Office of Student Financial Assistance may establish.
(e) Funding.- Funds for the tuition assistance grants awarded under this section:
(1) Shall be as provided in the annual budget of the Commission by the Governor;
(2) May not be used to supplant funds of any other program; and
(3) May not exceed the amount necessary to make awards to 40 persons a year.
[1991, ch. 462, § 4; 1993, ch. 5, § 1; ch. 380; 1996, ch. 10, § 16; 1997, ch. 14, § 1; 1998, ch. 21, § 1; 1999, ch. 34, §§ 1, 8; 2000, ch. 581; 2001, ch. 29, § 1; 2002, ch. 315, § 6; ch. 429, § 6; 2006, ch. 44, § 6.]