NOTE: As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended for use by the standing finance committees of the legislature.  The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used in any other situation.

Only the most recent FIR version, excluding attachments, is available on the Intranet. Previously issued FIRs and attachments may be obtained from the LFC office in Suite 101 of the State Capitol Building North.

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Relates to HB2, 32; SB38, 104

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Health Policy Commission (HPC)

Attorney General (AG)

General Services Department (GSD)

Department of Health (DOH)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

This bill enacts the Health Professional Recruitment Act to address the shortage of health professionals in rural and underserved areas and to provide for the changing needs of the state to ensure access to health services. The Loan-for-service programs, loan repayment program and stipend portion of the State Health Service Corps (SHSC) are collapsed in the Health Professional Recruitment Fund in the Commission on Higher Education (CHE). The SHSC efforts are modified to focus on services and technical assistance in critical and chronically underserved areas of the state and establishes a Health Professional Safety Net Fund to carry out these functions in the DOH.

Significant Issues

The Health Policy Commission bill analysis has been attached which includes pertinent information on data of health professionals.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

This bill does not make an appropriation. The HPC notes a diminished impact of this legislation on the efforts of the LFC and DFA to lump sum financial aid and loan program appropriations in the General Appropriations Act. It is possible that a future amount appropriated to this program will be reallocated to the other loan programs in the "Loan" category of the CHE performance based budget in House Bill 2.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

The DOH notes minimal impact in revising regulations to the HSCP for the restructuring of the program.

The AG, which provides legal services to the CHE for aid and loan programs, notes additional resources which will be needed by the agency in the furtherance of these legislative mandates.

CONFLICT/DUPLICATION/COMPANIONSHIP/RELATIONSHIP

This bill relates to House Bills 2 and 32 and Senate Bills 38 and 104.

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

The AG notes overlap between the agency and the DOH's general counsel office in providing legal services to the Health Professional Recruitment Act and the State Health Service Corps.

The CHE administers several health professional programs: medical loan-for-service; osteopathic loan-for-service; nursing loan-for-service; allied health loan-for-service; and health professional loan repayment. The DOH notes a close working relationship with the CHE to coordinate these and other programs administered by the DOH.

Attachment

APP/sb