SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 5175

BYSenate Committee on Health Care & Corrections (originally sponsored by Senators Barr, Conner, Patterson, Owen, McMullen, Metcalf, Sellar, Benitz, Anderson, West, Bauer, Warnke and Kreidler)

Regarding rural health care training.

Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 26, 1989; February 2, 1989; January 25, 1990

Senate Staff:Scott Plack (786-7409)

AS OF JANUARY 18, 1990

BACKGROUND:

There is a shortage of physicians, nurses and physician assistants in rural areas of the state.  A major problem in attracting and retaining these professionals is the lack of rural-based clinical experience opportunities.  These opportunities would allow students to have a direct exposure to the unique circumstances of providing care in rural areas. 

In its report to the Legislature, the Washington Rural Health Care Commission recommended that more rural-based clinical experience opportunities should be made available as one means of addressing the current shortage problem.

SUMMARY:

The Higher Education Coordinating Board, in consultation with the State Board of Community Colleges, the Superintendent of Public Instruction and training programs in medicine and nursing, is directed to develop a plan for providing students in nursing and medical training programs with rural training opportunities. 

The board shall inventory current rural-based clinical experience opportunities, identify areas where opportunities do not exist, identify public and private funding for sources and make recommendations on how to improve clinical experience opportunities.  The board shall report to the standing Senate and House health care committees by December 1, 1989 with its recommendations.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested January 18, 1990