Tennessee House Bill HB2458

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/24
• Refer: 2/1/24

Caption

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

Impact

The implementation of HB2458 is expected to improve healthcare access in rural and underserved communities across Tennessee. By alleviating the financial burden of student loans, the program aims to attract physician assistants to areas that desperately need medical services, thereby potentially improving health outcomes for residents. The bill also stipulates that grant recipients may receive up to $25,000 per year for a maximum of five years, which is aimed at corresponding with the financial constraints that prevent new graduates from entering these vital service areas.

Summary

House Bill 2458 seeks to amend Tennessee law to establish a program aimed at incentivizing physician assistants to deliver health services in designated health resource shortage areas. The bill outlines the creation of a student loan repayment grant program specifically for physician assistants who agree to work in underserved regions of the state. Participants in the program are required to meet several conditions, including successful completion of an accredited physician assistant educational program and a commitment to practice in a health resource shortage area for a minimum of five years upon receiving the grant.

Contention

Among points of contention regarding HB2458, concerns may arise on the sustainability of funding for the loan repayment grants, given the reliance on specific appropriations from the General Assembly. Additionally, there might be deliberations regarding the enforcement of participation contracts, particularly the penalties for failing to meet service obligations. The provision for liquidated damages in cases of breach may also face scrutiny, particularly regarding fairness and applicability in cases of unforeseen circumstances such as health issues. The dialogue surrounding this bill is expected to address both the incentives provided and the obligations imposed on recipients.