Bill > S872

This bill establishes a community health center nurse practitioner residency program designed to recruit and retain nurse practitioners in community health centers to improve access to primary and preventative care. The program will provide a 24-month post-graduate residency for certified nurse practitioners who have graduated from an accredited nursing school within the past three years. Participants will work under the supervision of a physician or advanced practice registered nurse, gaining hands-on experience with patient panels, and must commit to working at the community health center for at least 18 months after completing the residency. The state division responsible for health care will allocate at least $2.5 million annually to support the program and will seek federal Medicaid reimbursement for graduate medical education. The division is required to develop detailed regulations and grant guidelines for the program within six months of the act's passage, while ensuring that the program does not conflict with existing nursing practice licensure requirements. The goal is to address healthcare workforce needs by providing structured professional development opportunities for new nurse practitioners in community health settings.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S872