§ 254t. Demonstration project
(a)
Program authorized
The Secretary shall establish a demonstration project to provide for the participation of individuals who are chiropractic doctors or pharmacists in the Loan Repayment Program described in section
254l–1 of this title.
(b)
Procedure
An individual that receives assistance under this section with regard to the program described in section
254l–1 of this title shall comply with all rules and requirements described in such section (other than subparagraphs (A) and (B) of section
254l–1
(b)(1) of this title) in order to receive assistance under this section.
(c)
Limitations
(1)
In general
The demonstration project described in this section shall provide for the participation of individuals who shall provide services in rural and urban areas.
(2)
Availability of other health professionals
The Secretary may not assign an individual receiving assistance under this section to provide obligated service at a site unless—
(3)
Rules of construction
(d)
Designations
The demonstration project described in this section, and any providers who are selected to participate in such project, shall not be considered by the Secretary in the designation of a health professional shortage area under section
254e of this title during fiscal years 2002 through 2004.
(e)
Rule of construction
This section shall not be construed to require any State to participate in the project described in this section.
(f)
Report
(1)
In general
The Secretary shall evaluate the participation of individuals in the demonstration projects under this section and prepare and submit a report containing the information described in paragraph (2) to—
(2)
Content
The report described in paragraph (1) shall detail—
(A)
the manner in which the demonstration project described in this section has affected access to primary care services, patient satisfaction, quality of care, and health care services provided for traditionally underserved populations;
(g)
Authorization of appropriations
(1)
In general
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section, such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 2002 through 2004.
(2)
Fiscal year 2005
If the Secretary determines and certifies to Congress by not later than September 30, 2004, that the number of individuals participating in the demonstration project established under this section is insufficient for purposes of performing the evaluation described in subsection (f)(1) of this section, the authorization of appropriations under paragraph (1) shall be extended to include fiscal year 2005.