State Programs for Loan Repayment under the Washington Health Corps. Washington State offers loan repayment for certain licensed health professionals if certain conditions are met, such as providing care at approved sites in critical shortage areas or teaching an approved nursing program. Awardees must commit to a minimum of three years and may receive a maximum award amount of $75,000. Default penalties may be equal to the unsatisfied portion of the service obligation or the total amount paid, whichever is less, plus interest. Eligibility requirements vary for site and provider.

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The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) administers the Washington Health Corps loan repayment programs.

A law school loan repayment program for public defenders and prosecutors is established, subject to appropriation.

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The maximum repayment assistance a participant may receive is $20,000 per year, up to a total amount of $120,000.

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To qualify, the applicant must:

• be an attorney licensed in Washington State and practicing full time in public defense or as a prosecutor in Washington State;
• make a commitment to maintain employment or contract status for at least three years in one or more qualifying positions providing full-time work as a public defender or prosecuting attorney. The?Office of Student Financial Assistance may extend the time for fulfillment of the three-year commitment period for good cause;
• repay 100 percent of loan repayment funds disbursed during any period in which it is later determined that the participant did not maintain qualifying employment; and
• repay if they do not meet their service obligation. The amount repaid shall be:
  1. 75 percent of loan repayment funds received if the participant has completed less than one year of the three-year commitment;
  2. 50 percent of loan repayment funds received if the participant has completed at least one year but less than two years of the three-year commitment; and
  3. 25 percent of loan repayment funds received if the participant has completed at least two years but less than three years of the three-year commitment.

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WSAC may establish reasonable terms for repayment, including charging a reasonable rate of interest.

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Full time for a public defense attorney is defined as the equivalent of at least 80 percent of a public defender caseload standard endorsed by the Washington State Bar Association. WSAC may adjust the participants' service obligation if they remain engaged in public defense or prosecution.

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If funding provided is insufficient to cover all applicants, WSAC shall give priority to public defense attorneys or prosecutors practicing in rural areas.

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Public defense attorney is defined as an individual who is either directly employed or contracted, including supervisors and trainers. Prosecutoris defined as an individual employed by a city or county prosecuting office, including as a supervisor or trainer.

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A Law School Loan Repayment Program for Public Defenders and Prosecutors account is created in the custody of the state treasury.