HB 4073

Abstract

Amends the Comprehensive Healthcare Workforce Planning Act. Provides that the State Healthcare Workforce Council shall coordinate the State's health workforce education and training to develop a health workforce that meets the State's health care needs. Provides that the Council shall work with graduate medical education and training programs, health professions, including, but not limited to, specialties for primary care and behavioral health, and consumer representatives to address specified issues. Amends the Board of Higher Education Act. Provides that the State Board of Education shall establish a program to provide: (1) funding for medical residency positions that are not funded by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services or other established funding source; (2) technical assistance for entities that wish to establish a residency program, including, but not limited to, entities that are not licensed hospitals and federally qualified health centers; and (3) startup funding for entities that wish to establish a residency program. Sets forth provisions concerning the application process and priority. Provides that the State Healthcare Workforce Council shall provide information annually to the Board of Higher Education related to workforce shortages to assist in the development of the application and shall be responsible for reviewing applications and making recommendations to the Board of Higher Education regarding funding recipients. Creates the Medical Residency Education Fund to expand graduate medical education opportunities in the State and maximize the delivery of medical care and physician services to specific areas of the State where there is a recognized unmet priority need for medical care and physician services. Amends the State Finance Act to make a conforming change.