Bill > LD625

This bill establishes the Maine Rural Health Care Education Workforce Fund, a dedicated account within the Maine Department of Health and Human Services aimed at addressing healthcare workforce challenges in rural areas. The fund will receive state appropriations and support several key initiatives, including expanding clinical rotations and placements for medical students (3rd and 4th year), medical residents, nursing students, and physician assistant students in rural settings. When distributing funds, the department will prioritize areas designated as health professional shortage zones or medically underserved populations by the federal Health Resources and Services Administration. The bill allocates $500,000 in general fund money for each of the fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27 to support these efforts. The goal is to encourage healthcare professionals to practice in rural Maine by providing more extensive training and exposure to rural clinical environments. The department is authorized to create routine technical rules to implement the fund's operations, ensuring flexibility in how the program is administered.

Health and Social Services

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=625&snum=132