Texas Senate Bill SB2243

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/20/09
• Voted on by Senate: 4/27/09

Caption

Relating to the repayment of certain education loans for licensed physicians and dentists and to requirements for family practice residency programs.

Impact

By amending the Education Code, SB2243 creates structured frameworks for loan repayment assistance, specifically targeting those individuals willing to commit to a four-year service obligation in designated underserved areas. The financial implications of this bill not only provide relief to debt-burdened healthcare professionals but also incentivize them to establish their practices where they are most needed, thus aiming to alleviate the shortage of care in rural and economically depressed areas.

Summary

SB2243 is a legislative bill aimed at enhancing the repayment assistance for education loans for licensed physicians and dentists, particularly those practicing in medically underserved areas. The bill stipulates that priority will be given to primary care physicians and pediatric or geriatric subspecialists. This measure seeks to address the pressing need for medical professionals in regions that historically lack adequate healthcare services, thereby improving healthcare accessibility and outcomes for the state's population.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding SB2243 may include discussions regarding the adequacy of the proposed financial assistance limits, which cap repayment support at $140,000 over four years. There are concerns about whether this amount is sufficient to attract and retain healthcare professionals in underserved regions, as well as debates over the selection criteria for physicians and dentists participating in the program. Critics may argue that such limits could hinder the bill's effectiveness in addressing the state’s healthcare disparities.