Section 144.1489 Obligations of Participants

MINNESOTA STATUTES AND CODES

Section 144.1489 Obligations of Participants

144.1489 OBLIGATIONS OF PARTICIPANTS.

Subdivision 1.Contract required.

Before starting the period of obligated service, a participant must sign a contract with the commissioner that specifies the obligations of the participant and the commissioner.

Subd. 2.Obligated service.

A participant shall agree in the contract to fulfill the period of obligated service by providing primary health care services in full-time clinical practice. The service must be provided in a nonprofit private or public entity that is located in and providing services to a federally designated health professional shortage area and that has been designated as an eligible site by the commissioner under the state loan repayment program.

Subd. 3.Length of service.

Participants must agree to provide obligated service for a minimum of two years. A participant may extend a contract to provide obligated service for a third and fourth year, subject to approval by the commissioner and the availability of federal and state funding.

Subd. 4.Affidavit of service required.

Before receiving loan repayment, annually thereafter, and as requested by the commissioner, a participant shall submit an affidavit to the commissioner stating that the participant is providing the obligated service and which is signed by a representative of the organizational entity in which the service is provided. Participants must provide written notice to the commissioner within 30 days of: a change in name or address, a decision not to fulfill a service obligation, or cessation of clinical practice.

Subd. 5.Tax responsibility.

The participant is responsible for reporting on federal income tax returns any amount paid by the state on designated loans, if required to do so under federal law.

Subd. 6.Nondiscrimination requirements.

Participants are prohibited from charging a higher rate for professional services than the usual and customary rate prevailing in the area where the services are provided. If a patient is unable to pay this charge, a participant shall charge the patient a reduced rate or not charge the patient. Participants must agree not to discriminate on the basis of ability to pay or status as a Medicare or medical assistance enrollee. Participants must agree to accept assignment under the Medicare program and to serve as an enrolled provider under medical assistance.