(a) Subject to available funding, the department shall establish a program to assist communities in recruiting health professionals to practice in medically underserved communities by providing a stipend to health professionals who agree to serve in those communities.
(b) A stipend awarded under this section may be paid in periodic installments.

(c) A health professional who participates in the program established under this section must establish an office and residency in the medically underserved area before receiving any portion of the stipend.