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Bill > HB1274


IN HB1274

IN HB1274
Health finance matters.


summary

Introduced
01/13/2025
In Committee
01/13/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
04/24/2025

Introduced Session

2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

Health finance matters. Adds capital projects, technology upgrades, and operational expenses for certain county hospitals to the definition of "public safety" for purposes of local income tax revenue use. Increases the maximum local income tax that may be imposed in certain counties if a tax rate is adopted for purposes related to certain hospitals located in the county. Establishes the rural hospital clinically integrated network grant program to provide grants to rural hospital clinically integrated networks. Establishes the Indiana rural hospital and critical health care services fund (rural health care services fund) for the purpose of awarding grants to certain rural hospitals. Provides that the Indiana department of health (state department) administers the rural health care services fund. Establishes the following: (1) The health workforce student loan repayment program (program). (2) The health workforce advisory board (advisory board). (3) The health workforce student loan repayment program fund (repayment program fund) for the purpose of providing funds to repay outstanding student loans of certain health providers who meet the program requirements. Provides that the state department shall administer the program and repayment program fund. Establishes: (1) the imposition of fees at the time a license is issued or renewed for certain health profession licenses; and (2) qualifications to receive a student loan repayment award under the program. Provides that, beginning July 1, 2025, the state department and each board included in the program may award a student loan repayment to an eligible applicant who is a provider licensed by the board. Provides that money in the repayment program fund is continuously appropriated. Repeals provisions concerning the following: (1) The primary care physician loan forgiveness program. (2) The mental health services development programs. (3) The dental underserved area and minority recruitment program. Urges the legislative council to assign to an appropriate interim study committee the task of studying topics related to the rural health care services fund. Urges the legislative council to assign to an appropriate study committee the task of studying certain topics related to health care services.

AI Summary

This bill addresses several health finance and workforce matters in Indiana, focusing on rural healthcare support and student loan repayment for health professionals. The bill establishes two key funds: the Indiana Rural Hospital and Critical Health Care Services Fund and the Rural Hospital Clinically Integrated Network Fund. These funds aim to provide financial support to rural hospitals with populations under 50,000, particularly those offering critical services like 24/7 emergency departments, obstetric care, and primary care services. The bill creates a new Health Workforce Student Loan Repayment Program that will help healthcare providers (including doctors, nurses, therapists, and other licensed professionals) repay their student loans if they work in health workforce shortage areas in Indiana. Additionally, the legislation allows certain counties to impose slightly higher local income tax rates to support county hospitals, expands the definition of "public safety" to include capital projects and operational expenses for small county hospitals, and establishes a Health Workforce Advisory Board to oversee the student loan repayment program. The bill also repeals several existing programs related to physician loan forgiveness and mental health services development, and urges legislative study of rural healthcare needs and potential future support mechanisms.

Committee Categories

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

First reading: referred to Committee on Ways and Means (on 01/13/2025)

bill text


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