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) “Community health center” means a healthcare facility as defined and licensed under chapter 17 of this title.
(3) “Department” means the Rhode Island department of health.
(4) “Director” means the director of the Rhode Island department of health.
(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).