New Mexico Statutes Chapter 21. State and Private Education Institutions § 21-22A-4. Osteopathic medical student loans; department authorized; qualifications

A. The department is authorized to grant a loan to defray the expenses of the osteopathic medical education of a student deemed qualified by the department to receive the osteopathic medical education, upon such terms and conditions as may be imposed by regulations of the department.

B. The department shall only receive, pass upon and allow or disallow those applications for loans made by those students enrolled in or accepted by a New Mexico college of osteopathic medicine or osteopathic physician's assistant program who declare their intent to practice as osteopathic physicians or osteopathic physician's assistants within designated areas of the state.

C. The department shall make a full and careful investigation of the ability, character and qualifications of each applicant and determine the applicant's fitness to become a recipient of a student loan. The investigation of each applicant shall include an investigation of the ability of the applicant and the applicant's parents or guardians to pay the applicant's expenses for an osteopathic medical education. The department shall give preference to qualified applicants who are unable, or whose parents or guardians are unable, to pay the applicant's expenses in obtaining an osteopathic medical education.

D. The department shall arrange for loan recipients to receive assistance in locating, planning and implementing the establishment and maintenance of a practice as an osteopathic physician or osteopathic physician's assistant in a health professional shortage area.