(a) Subject to available funding, the department shall establish a program to assist communities in recruiting and retaining physicians to practice in medically underserved areas.
(b) The department by rule shall establish:
(1) eligibility criteria for applicants;
(2) stipend application procedures;
(3) guidelines relating to stipend amounts;
(4) procedures for evaluating stipend applications; and
(5) a system of priorities relating to the:
(A) geographic areas covered;
(B) medical specialties eligible to receive funding under the program; and
(C) level of stipend support.