Louisiana Legislature examines proposal to offer TOPS to some medical students

Louisiana students who qualify for TOPS tuition awards but attend college out of state could still get that money if they decide to return home for medical or dental school. The legislature is considering a measure to lure them back home, but with conditions.

House Bill 275 by Rep. Stephanie Berault, R-Slidell, would require those students to pay back the aid unless they work full time in their field in Louisiana for at least three consecutive years after graduation.

The proposal is aimed at addressing a physician shortage in Louisiana, where the Cicero Institute reports 60 out of 64 parishes have a shortage of health care professionals. 

The bill has the support of Gov. Jeff Landry and was unanimously approved Wednesday by the House Education Committee. 

TOPS, short for the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students, is a merit-based scholarship program that helps Louisiana students attend in-state colleges and universities.

About 34 new medical and dental school students each year will qualify for TOPS under the legislation, according to a cost estimate for the bill. The cost will gradually increase over four years, when it is forecasted to level out at about $1.3 million annually. 

Berault has also proposed House Bill 539, which would create a student loan repayment program for doctors who practice in Louisiana’s rural areas. It has not yet been scheduled for a hearing.