Step 1: Submit your Quarterly Invoice
Invoices are paid for the service obligation completed in the previous quarter. Please note: while OHA strives to process payments as quickly as possible, it may take up to 60 days from the date your invoice is received to issue payment.

ORH will notify you by email when it is time to submit your invoice. Each email will include:

• An invoice form
• Instructions for completion
• A submission deadline

Be sure to read these emails carefully to ensure accuracy and timely submission.

Step 2: Apply Payment Towards Approved Loans
All award payments must be applied to your approved student loans.

• You must make payments equaling or exceeding your award amount in the same quarter the funds are received.

  Quarter 1: January 1 - March 31 

  Quarter 2: April 1 - June 30 

  Quarter 3: July 1 - September 30 

  Quarter 4: October 1 - December 31

• Example: If your first payment is processed in January, you have January–March to apply that amount to your approved loans.
• You are responsible for keeping your loans in good standing between award payments.
• Your approved loans are listed in your award letter. If you have questions about which loans are covered, please contact ORH at ruralworkforce@ohsu.edu.

Step 3: Submit Your Payment Confirmation Form
In the last month of each quarter, ORH will email you:

• A payment confirmation form
• Instructions for completion
• A submission deadline
• Your next invoice form

Again, please review the email carefully, as it will contain instructions and deadlines you must follow. Future invoice payments will be held until payment confirmation forms are received.

Important Reminder
ORH will send invoices and payment confirmation forms on a regular schedule. To avoid delays or confusion, please do not submit forms or documents before receiving an official request from ORH.

Direct Patient Care Hours

• Full-Time awardees must provide at least 32 hours per week of direct patient care.

• Part-Time awardees must provide at least 16 hours per week of direct patient care.
   

  If you anticipate changes that would bring you below your required hours, please notify ORH immediately at ruralworkforce@ohsu.edu.

What Does Not Count as Direct Patient Care?
The following activities do not count toward your required weekly hours:

• Inpatient care
• On-call time
• Travel (even when patient-care related)

Leave Time
You are allowed up to seven weeks of leave per service year, which may be taken consecutively or spread throughout the year. Leave includes:

• Holidays
• CME days
• Vacation time
• Any other time not spent providing direct patient care at your approved site

If you experience a life event that requires you to be away from your practice for more than seven weeks in a service year, please contact ORH as soon as possible. Our team will work with you to navigate the process of applying for extended leave from your service obligations.

Participating in Other Service Obligations

• You must complete your Oregon Health Care Provider Incentive Loan Repayment service before participating in another service obligation, such as:
  • Oregon Partnership State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP)
  • Oregon Behavioral Health Loan Repayment Program
  • National Health Service Corps (NHSC)
  • NURSE Corps
  • Other state, federal, or local loan repayment programs tied to service requirements
• The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program is not considered a competing obligation, but if you plan to apply for PSLF, you must notify ORH.

Practice Site Transfers
In the event your practice site closes or you encounter extenuating circumstances, you may request approval to transfer your service obligation to another qualified practice site. To request a transfer:

1. Email ORH at ruralworkforce@ohsu.edu within 30 days of the event.
2. Request and complete a Site Transfer Request Form.
3. Wait for written approval from OHA before making any changes (including transfers within the same health system).

Note: Site transfers are intended to be rare and will not be granted without prior approval.

Reminder
These guidelines cover the most common requirements and reminders, but they do not represent a complete list of your service obligation terms.

• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Step-by-Step Form Instructions for Payment Confirmation Form
• Payment Confirmation Form
• Step-by-Step Form Instructions for Invoice Form
• Invoice Form
• Temporary Suspension Form

• Site Transfer Form

  The Oregon Office of Rural Health (ORH) is here to support you throughout your service commitment. ORH administers this program in partnership with the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), which holds your contract. For questions about the program or your service obligations, you can contact us at ruralworkforce@ohsu.edu.