Tennessee House Bill HB1281

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/23
• Refer: 2/2/23
• Refer: 3/13/23
• Refer: 3/22/23
• Refer: 4/3/23
• Refer: 4/18/23
• Engrossed: 4/19/23
• Enrolled: 5/1/23
• Passed: 5/11/23
• Chaptered: 5/18/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49 and Title 63, relative to incentivizing physicians to provide medical health services in underserved areas.

Impact

The enactment of HB 1281 is designed to modify provisions in the Tennessee Code regarding medical service delivery, particularly in rural or underserved regions. By providing a financial incentive that supports physicians' transition into practice, the state aims to address the acute shortages of healthcare providers which can lead to decreased health outcomes for residents. This legislative move is expected to foster a more equitable distribution of healthcare resources and improve overall access to medical services in the state.

Summary

House Bill 1281 aims to incentivize physicians to provide medical health services in underserved areas of Tennessee by establishing a family medicine student loan repayment grant program. This program targets physicians in residency training, offering financial relief through student loan repayment for those who complete their residency and commit to working in designated health resource shortage areas. The bill’s primary goal is to improve healthcare access in regions that struggle to attract and retain medical professionals, thereby enhancing public health outcomes in these communities.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1281 appears to be positively received among legislators and stakeholders concerned with healthcare accessibility. The measure has unanimous support, as indicated by its passing in the House with no opposition (96-0) during its third consideration. Supporters emphasize the bill as a vital step toward ensuring that medical care is more equitably distributed, especially to those living in areas that are often overlooked by healthcare providers.

Contention

While the bill has garnered positive feedback overall, concerns have been raised regarding the sustainability of funding for the loan repayment grants, as these programs rely on appropriations from the general assembly. Opponents may argue about the adequacy of the funds and the long-term commitment of state resources necessary to see the program succeed. Furthermore, there may be discussions about securing a balance between incentivizing residency training and ensuring that physicians retain their services within their qualified areas long after fulfilling their contract requirements.