The department may do any of the following:
(a) Solicit and receive funds from business, industry, foundations, and other private or public sources for the purpose of providing financial assistance in the form of scholarships or loans to students from underrepresented groups. These funds shall be expended by the department after transfer to the Health Professions Education Fund, created pursuant to Section 128355.
(b) Disburse private sector moneys deposited in the Health Professions Education Fund to students from underrepresented groups enrolled in or graduated from schools of medicine, dentistry, nursing, or other health professions in the form of loans or scholarships.
(c) Encourage private sector institutions, including hospitals, community clinics, and other health agencies to identify and provide educational experiences to students from underrepresented groups who are potential applicants to schools of medicine, dentistry, nursing, or other health professions.
(d) Implement the Steven M. Thompson Physician Corps Loan Repayment Program and the Volunteer Physician Program, as provided under Article 5 (commencing with Section 128550).
(Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 143, Sec. 166. (AB 133) Effective July 27, 2021.)