For the purpose of this chapter, the following words and terms have the following meanings unless the context clearly requires otherwise:

(1)  “Board” means the health professional loan repayment board.

(2)  “Commissioner” means the commissioner of postsecondary education.

(3)  “Community health center” means a healthcare facility as defined and licensed under chapter 17 of this title.

(4)  “Division” means the Rhode Island division of higher education assistance.

(5)  “Eligible health professional” means a physician, dentist, dental hygienist, nurse practitioner, certified nurse midwife, physician assistant, or any other eligible healthcare professional under § 338A of the Public Health Service Act, 42 U.S.C. § 254l, licensed in the state who has entered into a contract with the board to serve medically underserved populations.

(6)  “Loan repayment” means an amount of money to be repaid to satisfy loan obligations incurred to obtain a degree or certification in an eligible health profession as defined in subdivision (5).