(a) In this section, “Council” means the Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program Advisory Council for Physicians and Physician Assistants.

(b) There is a Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program Advisory Council for Physicians and Physician Assistants.

(c) The Council consists of the following members:

(1) The Chair of the Health Services Cost Review Commission, or the Chair’s designee;

(2) The Chair of the Maryland Health Care Commission, or the Chair’s designee;

(3) The President of the Maryland Hospital Association, or the President’s designee;

(4) The Dean of the University of Maryland School of Medicine, or the Dean’s designee;

(5) The Dean of the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, or the Dean’s designee;

(6) The President of MedChi, or the President’s designee;

(7) One representative of the Primary Care Office in the Office of Population Health Improvement;

(8) One representative of the State Board of Physicians;

(9) One representative of the Maryland Academy of Physician Assistants; and

(10) Any other members as determined necessary by the Secretary.

(d) (1) The members of the Council shall select the chair of the Council.

(2) A member of the Council:

(i) May not receive compensation as a member of the Council; but

(ii) Is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.

(3) The Council shall meet at least three times a year.

(e) The Department shall provide staff for the Council.

(f) The Council shall:

(1) Seek permanent and diverse revenue sources to aid in the stability and further development of the Program;

(2) Help ensure maximum use of federal funds;

(3) Use available data and information to help direct funding to priority areas;

(4) Monitor similar loan programs in other states and ensure that the Program remains competitive;

(5) Assist the Department in the administration of the Program;

(6) Help market and raise awareness of the Program through educational institutions and other appropriate entities as an incentive to health care providers to practice in underserved areas; and

(7) Make recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly on any necessary changes to the Program.

(g) On or before October 1 each year, the Council shall report to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2-1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly on the activities and recommendations of the Council.