Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB255

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/8/23
• Refer: 5/8/23
• Report Pass: 2/14/24
• Refer: 2/14/24
• Engrossed: 2/20/24
• Refer: 2/26/24
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Creating a rural pharmacy practice grant program administered by the Higher Educational Aids Board, exempting from taxation amounts received from such a grant program, and granting rule-making authority.

Impact

If enacted, AB255 would have a considerable impact on state pharmacy practice regulations and rural healthcare accessibility. By exempting amounts received from the grant program from taxation, the bill not only provides financial support to pharmacists but also removes barriers that might deter their engagement in underserved regions. The bill aims to foster a more robust healthcare delivery system in rural areas, thereby improving the overall wellness of communities that lack adequate medical resources. The restriction of assistance to a maximum of ten pharmacists per year emphasizes the need for targeted aid and ensures that funds are allocated where they are most needed.

Summary

Assembly Bill 255 aims to establish a rural pharmacy practice grant program in Wisconsin, administered by the Higher Educational Aids Board (HEAB). The primary objective is to incentivize pharmacists to practice in medically underserved areas of the state. Eligible pharmacists who commit to practicing for a minimum of three years post-graduation can receive up to $30,000 annually for up to three years as financial assistance. Furthermore, the bill defines 'medically underserved area' according to federal standards, ensuring that assistance is targeted to areas with significant healthcare needs. The program is intended to address workforce shortages in rural regions, where access to pharmacy services is often limited.

Contention

While the bill is generally viewed positively for its intention to improve pharmacy access in rural areas, points of contention have emerged regarding the adequacy and administrative burden of the funding. Critics may question whether the $30,000 support is sufficient to attract and retain pharmacists, especially given the financial pressures associated with pharmacy school debt. Additionally, the limitation of grants to only ten pharmacists annually could lead to competition that may disadvantage some applicants. Discussions surrounding the bill may involve debates on how effectively these measures address long-term rural health disparities versus short-term solutions.