Bill > SB130

This bill expands medical education funding and the service cancelable loan program in Georgia by making several key changes. First, it broadens the definition of "designated institution" to include not just traditional teaching hospitals, but also medical facilities with a Medicare/Medicaid certification that offer ACGME-accredited residency or fellowship programs. The bill introduces a new definition for "fellow" as a physician in an ACGME-accredited fellowship program. The Department of Community Health will continue to provide up to $10,000 per year for each resident or fellow in these programs, with funding subject to legislative appropriations. The bill also modifies the service cancelable loan program to explicitly include resident physicians and fellowship physicians as potential loan recipients, alongside existing eligible groups like physicians, dentists, physician assistants, and advanced practice registered nurses who commit to practicing in underserved rural areas of Georgia. To be eligible, resident and fellowship physicians must be U.S. citizens enrolled in an ACGME-accredited program. The overall intent is to support medical education, encourage healthcare professionals to work in rural areas, and provide additional financial support for medical training programs across the state.

Health and Social Services

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/70087