Relating To Health Care Preceptors.
If enacted, SB2117 will effectively expand the pool of preceptors eligible for tax credits, thereby improving the quality and availability of health care education in Hawaii. Schools and programs will likely see a rise in participation from healthcare professionals willing to mentor students, which is critical in light of impending retirements in the healthcare workforce. The bill aims to alleviate some of the constrictions currently faced by students seeking clinical training positions by providing them access to a wider range of experienced professionals in various fields beyond primary care.
SB2117 aims to address the shortage of primary care providers in Hawaii by amending existing tax credit regulations for healthcare preceptors. The bill recognizes the growing need for qualified clinicians to train and supervise healthcare students, such as those in the physician assistant, social work, and registered dietitian fields. By enhancing the current preceptor tax credit laws, the bill seeks to broaden the scope of preceptor definitions and eligibility to encourage more professionals to participate in the training of healthcare students within Hawaii. This includes allowing for compensation during supervised clinical training rotations, a significant shift from previous requirements for uncompensated training.
While the bill appears beneficial in theory, concerns may arise regarding the changes to the preceptor compensation structure. Some stakeholders fear that providing compensation may blur the lines between volunteer training and employment status, which could potentially complicate the healthcare education landscape. Additionally, there could be apprehensions surrounding the quality of training offered under this revised structure, as more professionals may choose to operate primarily for financial incentives rather than educational mentorship. Even though the intent to enlarge the preceptor pool is clear, the implications of these changes warrant careful consideration.