Authorizes a tax credit for certain physicians providing preceptorships
The implementation of HB 2595 will directly affect the Medical Preceptor Fund created under the Department of Health and Senior Services. The funding will be derived from license fee increases for physicians and physician assistants, which will help sustain the tax credit program. By incentivizing community-based education, the bill encourages more healthcare providers to participate in training future practitioners, which could address the physician shortage in underserved areas of the state. Nonetheless, the total number of tax credits awarded shall not exceed $200,000 annually.
House Bill 2595 introduces a tax credit for community-based faculty preceptors who provide instruction to medical and physician assistant students. This bill aims to support the training of future healthcare professionals by allowing qualifying individuals to receive a tax credit of up to $3,000 per year based on the number of preceptorships completed. Specifically, preceptors can earn $1,000 for each preceptorship, provided they perform a minimum of 120 hours of instruction and do not receive direct compensation for their services. This initiative seeks to enhance medical training opportunities, potentially improving community health delivery in Missouri.
There is a generally positive sentiment surrounding HB 2595, especially among those prioritizing improved medical education and community healthcare access. Supporters argue that this bill addresses crucial gaps in the medical training pipeline by incentivizing experienced practitioners to share their knowledge. They contend that increasing the number of trained professionals will substantially benefit healthcare services in rural and underserved communities. However, some concerns have been raised regarding the administration of the tax credit and the fiscal implications for the state budget.
While many support the bill, there are notable points of contention regarding the sustainability of its funding mechanism and the program's overall effectiveness. Critics may question whether the tax credits will generate a sufficient increase in qualified medical practitioners to meet community needs. Moreover, there are concerns regarding potential limitations on the number of preceptors eligible for the credit, as capped funding could hinder its reach. Ultimately, the dialogue surrounding this bill reflects broader challenges in balancing education, healthcare access, and state fiscal responsibilities.