The board must adopt and distribute rules for administering the subchapter and run the program to support applications, eligibility, funding allocation, and matching funds; it may also use up to $1 million for marketing and contract with others to help market the program.
Sec. 61.608. RULES; ADMINISTRATION. (a) The board shall adopt rules necessary to administer this subchapter. (b) The board shall distribute to each institution of higher education or private or independent institution of higher education and to any appropriate state agency and professional association copies of the rules adopted under this section and other pertinent information relating to this subchapter. (c) The board shall adopt rules establishing a process for allocating any unused funds under the program in a state fiscal year in accordance with Section 61.604(d). (d) The board shall administer the program under this subchapter in a manner that maximizes any matching funds available through the state loan repayment program under the National Health Service Corps program of the United States Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration. (e) The board shall administer the program under this subchapter in a manner that, as program openings occur, allows for the continuous: (1) approval or disapproval of applications; (2) determination of applicant eligibility; and (3) acceptance of eligible applicants into the program. (f) The board may use funds, in an amount not to exceed $1 million appropriated for purposes of this subchapter, to market the program to students enrolled in postsecondary institutions, mental health professionals, and mental health professional organizations and associations and may contract with a third party for the purpose. The board or third party may develop marketing plans or promotional materials to market the program. Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 322 (S.B. 239), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2015. Amended by: Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 891 (H.B. 3083), Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2017. Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 891 (H.B. 3083), Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2017. Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1101 (H.B. 3808), Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2017. Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 678 (H.B. 1211), Sec. 6(2), eff. September 1, 2023. Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1069 (S.B. 532), Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2023. Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1180 (S.B. 646), Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2025.