Texas House Bill HCR102

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Expressing support for prioritizing a substantial increase in funding for graduate medical education before authorizing the creation and support of additional medical schools.

Impact

The resolution aims to tackle the direct link between the expansion of medical schools and the insufficient number of residency positions available. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board is charged with ensuring that there is one residency position for every medical school graduate, reinforcing the need for an infrastructure that can support newly trained physicians. Moreover, it recognizes the previous investments made by the Texas Legislature in graduate medical education and the necessity to further enhance this funding to prevent future gaps in healthcare services across the state.

Summary

HCR102 is a House Concurrent Resolution proposed to address the significant healthcare provider shortage in Texas. It expresses the legislature's support for increasing funding for graduate medical education prior to any decisions regarding the establishment of additional medical schools in the state. The resolution highlights that a substantial proportion of Texas counties were designated as health professional shortage areas, stressing the urgency of the situation. It notes that despite the growth of medical schools and graduates, there remains a critical gap in the availability of residency positions that would allow these new doctors to remain in Texas for their training.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HCR102 is largely supportive, with acknowledgment of the need for strategic planning in the education and training of healthcare professionals. Legislators appear to be united on the importance of prioritizing funding for graduate medical education, indicating a proactive stance against the looming doctor shortage. This collective effort reflects an understanding of the logistical challenges faced by new medical graduates and the state's responsibility to provide a supportive environment for their continued training.

Contention

While the resolution enjoys general support, there may be underlying concerns regarding the balance between expanding educational institutions and providing adequate funding for existing programs. Some stakeholders might question whether the establishment of new medical schools without sufficient residency slots would lead to an oversupply of graduates without adequate training opportunities. This concern underscores an ongoing debate about how best to organize medical education and healthcare provision in Texas, ensuring that the state's medical workforce can meet the demands of its growing population.