Tennessee Senate Bill SB2295

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/24

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

If enacted, SB2295 would introduce significant changes to the existing framework surrounding healthcare provision in rural and underserved urban areas. The program is funded through state appropriations, and grants can cover up to $25,000 annually for eligible students, capped at their total loan indebtedness. The department of health is tasked with managing the program, ensuring that these funds reach qualified physician assistants and that there is a robust reporting system in place to monitor its effectiveness. This initiative could lead to an increase in healthcare access for residents in these areas.

Summary

Senate Bill 2295 aims to address the shortage of healthcare providers in underserved areas of Tennessee by creating a student loan repayment grant program specifically for physician assistants. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated by establishing criteria under which physician assistants can qualify for these grants, which would help alleviate their educational debt in exchange for a commitment to work in designated health resource shortage areas for a minimum of five years. This structure is intended to ease access to healthcare services in regions where they are most needed and to incentivize young professionals to serve in these communities.

Contention

While the bill is generally viewed positively for its intent to fortify healthcare in underserved regions, there may be points of contention regarding the sourcing of the funds and potential limitations on the program's scope. Critics may raise concerns about the adequacy of state funds allocated to sustain this program and whether it will effectively attract practitioners to less populated areas. Additionally, aspects such as the penalties for breaching the service contract—where participants who fail to fulfill their obligations may face significant financial liability—could spark debate among stakeholders about fairness and enforceability.