Georgia 2023-2024 Regular Session

Georgia House Bill HB872

Introduced
1/8/24  
Report Pass
2/7/24  
Introduced
1/8/24  
Engrossed
2/16/24  
Report Pass
2/7/24  
Refer
2/20/24  
Engrossed
2/16/24  
Report Pass
3/8/24  
Refer
2/20/24  
Enrolled
4/2/24  
Report Pass
3/8/24  
Chaptered
4/19/24  
Enrolled
4/2/24  
Chaptered
4/19/24  

Caption

Medical professionals; rural assistance; expand service cancelable loan program for health care providers to include dental students

Impact

The bill amends the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, specifically targeting the provisions related to medical professionals and the programs designed to facilitate their presence in rural areas. By extending the loan program to dental students, HB872 aligns with the state’s needs for more comprehensive medical services, recognizing that dental care is a critical component of overall healthcare. It establishes eligibility criteria for loan recipients and sets forth stipulations for loan repayment in the form of service in designated areas, effectively incentivizing practitioners to fill critical gaps in healthcare services.

Summary

House Bill 872 aims to enhance healthcare accessibility in underserved rural areas of Georgia by expanding the service cancelable loan program. This bill now includes dental students, allowing them to benefit from loans that can be forgiven if they practice in these areas. The overarching goal is to recruit more healthcare providers—specifically physicians, dentists, physician assistants, and advanced practice registered nurses—who are willing to serve in regions that struggle with healthcare access. This legislative change reflects a proactive approach to addressing the shortage of medical professionals in rural settings.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB872 appears to be generally positive, particularly among stakeholders who advocate for improved healthcare access in rural areas. Supporters argue that the inclusion of dental students can enhance overall healthcare delivery, making this bill a commendable effort to bolster community health. However, there may be some contention related to funding and the effectiveness of loan forgiveness in genuinely attracting providers to these underserved regions. Overall, the bill seems to resonate well with the principles of enhancing population health and addressing disparities in service delivery.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support, it does not come without potential points of contention. Critics may raise concerns about the sustainability of the loan forgiveness model, questioning whether it will adequately entice providers to remain in rural areas long-term. Moreover, there may be discussions about whether the loan conditions and repayment through service adequately reflect the challenges faced by practitioners in these locales. As the bill progresses, it will be important to monitor how it addresses not just recruitment, but also retention of healthcare professionals in underserved regions.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

GA HB659

Health; rural assistance; expand medical education funding and the service cancelable loan program to include optometrists

GA SB130

Health; medical education funding and the service cancelable loan program; expand

GA HB763

Medicaid; provide for a separate managed care program for dental services and dental services providers.

GA HB1747

To Amend The Law Concerning Rural Medical Practice Student Loans And Scholarships; And To Amend The Law To Include Students Enrolled In Additional Medical Programs As Eligible For Receipt Of Rural Medical Practice Loans.

GA SF1679

Programs expansion and establishment to address the health and human services workforce shortage

GA HF1436

Programs to address health and human services workforce shortage expanded and established, reports required, and money appropriated.

GA HF754

A bill for an act relating to health care including a funding model for the rural health care system; the elimination of several health care-related award, grant, residency, and fellowship programs; establishment of a health care professional incentive program; Medicaid graduate medical education; the health facilities council; and the Iowa health information network, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly HSB 191; See HF 972.)

GA HSB191

A bill for an act relating to health care including a funding model for the rural health care system; the elimination of several health care-related award, grant, residency, and fellowship programs; establishment of a health care professional incentive program; Medicaid graduate medical education; the health facilities council; and the Iowa health information network, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.(See HF 754, HF 972.)

GA SSB1163

A bill for an act relating to health care including a funding model for the rural health care system; the elimination of several health care-related award, grant, residency, and fellowship programs; establishment of a health care professional incentive program; Medicaid graduate medical education; the health facilities council; and the Iowa health information network, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.(See SF 575, SF 618.)

GA SF575

A bill for an act relating to health care including a funding model for the rural health care system; the elimination of several health care-related award, grant, residency, and fellowship programs; establishment of a health care professional incentive program; Medicaid graduate medical education; the health facilities council; and the Iowa health information network, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly SSB 1163; See SF 618.)

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