Fixed Application Periods:

During ‘Fixed' MSLRP application periods, those with specific ‘begin' and ‘end' dates, participants are selected based on the criteria described below. Fixed application periods are typically the first type of application period offered each program year.

Ongoing, First-Come, First-Served Application Periods: During ‘Ongoing, First-Come, First-Served' application periods, eligible providers with complete application packages are awarded loan repayment agreements in the order in which their applications are received and the selection criteria described below do not apply.  The MSLRP Opportunity Update announcing the Ongoing First-Come, First-Served application period may, however, specify preference for critically needed provider types, such as those providing obstetric services.  First-Come, First-Served application periods typically occur after a fixed application period in which all program funds were not awarded and represent an opportunity for providers less likely to receive loan repayment during fixed application periods.  Ongoing, First -Come, First-Served application periods continue until all program funds are awarded or until the end of the program year. They are often characterized by higher employer contributions needed to maintain the federally-required minimal 50 percent non-federal to federal funds match as state funds decrease over the program year.

Selection Criteria for Fixed Application Periods:

The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) reserves the right to modify its MSLRP selection criteria at any time in response to Michigan's changing healthcare provider needs.  Reviewing the MSLRP Opportunity Update found at the beginning of the MSLRP website is the best way to learn about selection criteria for current and upcoming application periods.  Providers working at the priority practice sites listed below receive preference in the selection process for loan repayment.

MSLRP Priority Providers:

MSLRP priority providers receive preference in the MSLRP selection process, but may change with new application periods.  For current MSLRP priority providers, please refer to the MSLRP Program Overview & Update. 

MSLRP Priority Practice Sites:

Priority practice sites change less frequently than priority providers.  Eligible primary care medical providers working at the following types of practice sites receive preference in the selection process:

1.       Local Health Departments

2.       State-funded Institutions

·         State Psychiatric Hospitals

·         Forensic Medicine Centers

·         CMH Agencies

·         State Correctional Facilities

·         State-funded Primary Care Clinics

3.       Community Health Centers (FQHCs) and FQHC Look-Alikes 

4.       Critical Access Hospital (CAH)-Administered Primary Care Clinics

5.       Certified Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) Designated as Facility HPSAs 

Lottery Number Assignment:

The MSLRP Office randomly assigns lottery numbers to each application it receives.  The lottery numbers are used to determine the order of contracting for providers within each priority category.  For example, once ‘Top Priority" providers have been awarded loan repayment agreements, the Double Priority applicant with the lowest lottery number will be given the opportunity to begin the contracting process.  Then, each Double Priority with the next lowest lottery number will be contacted regarding a loan repayment agreement.  Once all Double Priority applicants have been contacted, the process will continue with Single Priority and then Non-Priority applicants until all program funds are awarded.

Contracting Process with Providers also Applying to the National Health Services Corps:

To meet federal funding requirements, MSLRP program funds must be obligated shortly after the end of each fixed application period.  This means that providers and employers must be ready to either accept or decline an MSLRP contract when first contacted by the program.  This includes applicants waiting for notification from the NHSC as to whether or not they will be awarded a loan repayment contract.  Employers and providers with NHSC applications pending must discuss whether they will accept an MSLRP contract before they receive their first call from MSLRP to initiate the contracting process.   Once the contracting process begins, applications of those not ready to contract will be withdrawn, and they will be invited to reapply during the following program year.