1.    The department of health and human services shall establish criteria to be used in selecting health care professionals for participation in a student loan repayment program. The criteria must include:

a.    The health care professional’s specialty; b.    The need for the health care professional’s specialty within an area; c.    The health care professional’s education and experience; d.    The health care professional’s date of availability and anticipated term of availability; and

e.    The health care professional’s willingness to accept Medicare and Medicaid assignments, if applicable.

2.    In selecting health care professionals for participation in the program the department of health and human services shall require that the individual:

a.    Is physically present at and provides services on a full-time basis to an entity that meets the requirements of section 43-12.3-04; or

b.     (1) Is physically present at and provides services on at least a half-time basis to an entity that meets the requirements of section 43-12.3-04;     (2) Provides telehealth services to a second entity that meets the requirements of section 43-12.3-04; and

(3) Verifies that the services provided under paragraphs 1 and 2 are equal to the full-time requirement of subdivision a.

3.    In selecting health care professionals for participation in a program, the department of health and human services may consider an individual’s:

a.    Length of residency in this state; and

b.    Attendance at an in-state or an out-of-state institution of higher education.