Strengthening Healthcare Access Recruitment Program (SHARP) Incentive
Financial incentive for providing health care in rural and underserved areas
Overview
Alaska has two state-run programs supporting healthcare workforce recruitment and retention in medical, dental, and behavioral health disciplines. The goal is to increase the availability of health care services throughout the state, especially to rural and underserved populations.
Qualifying professionals work at sponsoring healthcare facilities throughout the state. Employers and professionals both apply to the program. Those meeting eligibility requirements may enter into a three-party Memorandum of Agreement with the State of Alaska Department of Health. For the term of the agreement, participating employers are required to submit timely quarterly reports and payments to the program, and participating professionals are required to maintain program compliance to receive quarterly loan repayment or financial incentives.
Who qualifies?
State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP/SHARP-1)
State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP/SHARP-1)
SLRP is funded partially by a Federal State Loan Repayment Grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and required employer match payments. Contracts require a 2-year commitment to work at the eligible facility.
Qualifying healthcare professionals must be licensed practitioners providing a minimum of 80% direct patient care services at a primary care outpatient setting located in a federally designated Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA). Participants in this program can receive education loan repayment only.
Examples of qualifying sponsoring healthcare organizations are community health centers, IHS facilities, community behavioral health centers, critical access hospitals, and correctional facilities within a qualifying facility healthcare provider shortage area (HPSA) designation.
Please review HRSA State Loan Repayment Program Service Requirements for Clinician Awardees.
For more regarding Clinician and Loan eligibility review HRSA Clinician Eligibility and Application Requirements.
Healthcare Workforce Enhancement Program (HWEP/SHARP-3)
Healthcare Workforce Enhancement Program (HWEP/SHARP-3)
HWEP is 100% funded by the employer, but the employer payment may come from any available source, including a philanthropic institution, health foundation, government agency, community organization, or private individual. Contracts require a 3-year commitment to work at the eligible facility.
Eligible employers must be located in a state designated health services shortage area. Qualifying organizations consist of clinics, hospitals, school health programs, and university training programs for healthcare occupations.
Qualifying healthcare professionals participating in this program can receive education loan repayment or direct incentive payments. Tier 1 and Tier 2 are licensed practitioners providing a minimum of 50% direct patient care services. The Tier 3 option provides a broader range of practitioner occupations that may not meet direct patient care requirements, but directly impact access to healthcare and/or social services to underserved individuals.
Healthcare Workforce Enhancement is authorized in Alaska Statute 18.29 and detailed in regulations 7 ACC 24.
Guidance documents are available here: Healthcare Workforce Enhancement Program (HWEP)
How to use
Participants are required to submit certain information to the program during the course of employment. Most of this information can be submitted using our Program submission form.
This form includes links to the following resources:
For applicants
For practitioners
Submit or update a loan & lender form
Advisory Council
The Advisory Council consists of Commissioner appointed members with healthcare and workforce industry expertise. The Advisory Council’s main role is to provide recommendations to the Alaska Department of Health on healthcare workforce priorities and areas of need. Meetings are held quarterly and are open to the public, information can be found at Alaska’s Online Public Notices website.