NRHA Applauds Introduction of Conrad State 30 & Physician Access Act
The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) applauds Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) for the bipartisan introduction of the Conrad State 30 & Physician Access Act. This bill makes great strides in the recruitment of physicians to rural areas and the delivery of vital health care services in rural America.
Rural America faces significant barriers with access to health care. Rural populations are, per capita, older, sicker and poorer than their urban and suburban counterparts. Rural America also faces a higher workforce shortage than their urban counterparts. Lack of financial incentives for physicians and non‐physician practitioners and many other unique factors have long contributed to a huge shortage of rural health care workforce and, therefore, meaningful access for all rural Americans.
This legislation will help hospitals, clinics and group practices overcome some of these barriers and, thereby, increase health care access in rural America. It will also help ensure that rural Americans have access to care and an educated workforce.
You'll discover rural recruitment and retention strategies at NRHA’s Rural Hospital Innovation Summit May 9-12 in San Diego.