HB1384
To Amend The Law Concerning The Graduate Medical Education Residency Expansion Board; And To Declare An Emergency.
AI-Generated Summary
This bill amends existing Arkansas law concerning the Graduate Medical Education Residency Expansion Board. It redefines and clarifies the purpose and awarding of "planning grants" and "implementation grants." The bill allows the board to allocate funds to in-state entities creating or expanding graduate medical education programs. These grants are to be awarded on a competitive basis, considering factors such as specialty shortages, underserved areas, and program development timelines. The legislation also specifies eligibility criteria for receiving these grants, including requirements for accreditation plans and progress reports. It establishes deadlines for grant applications and awards, and outlines how funds are distributed, requiring verification of filled residency positions. The bill further defines various terms related to graduate medical education, residency positions, and associated costs. An emergency clause is included, stating the immediate need for medical professionals to address worker shortages and ensure public health and safety.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries of this bill are in-state entities, such as Arkansas hospitals and medical facilities, that are in the process of creating new graduate medical education programs or expanding existing ones. Medical schools and sponsoring institutions seeking accreditation for residency and fellowship programs will also benefit. Ultimately, the broader population of Arkansas stands to benefit from an increased number of trained medical professionals, particularly in areas experiencing physician shortages.
Who Might Suffer?
This bill does not appear to directly identify any groups or entities that would be negatively impacted. The focus is on expanding medical education capacity, which would generally be seen as a positive development for healthcare access. However, entities that are not successful in the competitive grant application process, or that do not meet the established criteria for developing or expanding residency programs, may not receive the intended financial support.