Bill > SB504

This bill establishes the Arkansas Rural Preceptorship Program to address the shortage of physicians in rural areas of the state. The program aims to create opportunities for medical students from four specific institutions (University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State University, and Alice L. Walton School of Medicine) to experience rural healthcare settings through preceptorships lasting up to three weeks. The Division of Higher Education will administer the program, providing per diem funding to participating institutions to reimburse the costs of student placements in rural clinics, hospitals, federal qualified health centers, and other healthcare facilities. The legislative intent is to support a public-private partnership that introduces medical students to rural communities, potentially encouraging them to practice medicine in these underserved areas. Funding for the program can come from both public and private sources, with the broader goal of attracting new physicians to rural communities by giving medical students first-hand experience of practicing medicine in these settings.

Education

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=sb504&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R