Applicants will be selected for participation in the health professional loan repayment and scholarship program based upon criteria that shall include but not be limited to the following:

(1) Applicant training. The individual's training is in a health profession or specialty needed to fulfill an underserved area in Washington state.

(2) Applicant qualifications. The individual's academic standing, prior professional experience in a medically underserved area or health personnel shortage area, board certification, residency achievements, peer recommendations, depth of past residency practice experience, and other criteria related to professional competence or conduct.

(3) Applicant service commitment. (a) The individual's commitment to serve in a medically underserved area or community-based primary care site as determined by the statement of commitment on the application form; (b) the availability of the individual for service, with highest consideration being given to individuals who will be available for service at the earliest dates; and (c) the length of the individual's proposed service obligation, with greatest consideration being given to persons who agree to serve for longer periods of time.

(4) Scholarship applicant relationship with rural area. Preference for scholarships shall be given to students who reside in rural areas of the state prior to admission to the medical training program. Higher preference shall be given to students seeking admission who are recommended by sponsoring communities and who declare the intent of serving as a primary care physician in a rural area.