Bill > SB5

This bill creates the Statewide Health Care Access and Recruitment Program to address health care provider shortages in Nevada. The bill establishes a new Account in the State General Fund and authorizes the Nevada Health Authority to conduct biennial comprehensive assessments of health care workforce needs, identifying critical shortages in geographic areas and medical specialties. The program will operate as a competitive grant program, allowing various healthcare entities, governmental organizations, and nonprofits to apply for grants to increase the number of healthcare providers, improve expertise, and expand access to clinical services. Applicants must demonstrate matching funds, specific measurable outcomes, and potential for long-term sustainability. The bill requires grant recipients to submit detailed reports on project achievements and impacts. Additionally, the legislation includes provisions to expedite credentialing processes for healthcare providers, prioritize license applications for providers planning to serve underserved areas, and requires medical licensing boards to establish electronic systems for credential verification. The bill appropriates $60 million to the new Account and provides $500,000 in funding to medical licensing boards to implement the new requirements. The program aims to strategically address healthcare workforce challenges by supporting targeted, innovative projects that can improve healthcare access and quality across Nevada.