Bill > LD1311

This bill establishes the Maine Health Care Education Training and Medical Residency Fund, a dedicated account within the state's Department of Health and Human Services designed to address healthcare workforce challenges in rural and underserved communities. The fund will receive $5,000,000 annually and can accept both public and private contributions, with the goal of supporting various healthcare education and training initiatives. Specifically, the fund will distribute money to support expanding clinical rotations for 3rd and 4th-year medical students in rural areas, creating and expanding rural residency positions, establishing clinical preceptorships in underserved communities, developing local healthcare education leaders, providing competitive grants for innovative healthcare education solutions, and supporting electronic platforms for clinical healthcare placements. The bill defines "rural" as areas designated as health professional shortage areas or medically underserved regions, and includes provisions for an "earn as you learn" program where students can be paid while acquiring specific healthcare skills. The Department of Health and Human Services will administer the fund and has the authority to apply for additional federal and private grant funding, with unexpended balances carrying forward for continued use. The department may also adopt routine technical rules to implement the program.

Health and Social Services

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1311&snum=132