Sen. Doris Turner | Courtesy photo
Sen. Doris Turner | Courtesy photo
In a June 9 press release, Sen. Doris Turner (D-Decatur) announced she had been honored by health advocates for her work in promoting a bill to give incentives for doctors to practice in rural areas.
“Our rural health centers across the state have struggled to maintain adequate staff,” Turner said, “This law will mean that people across the state will have more access to high-quality health care by incentivizing medical professionals to work in underserved areas.”
Senate Bill 3017 went into effect on May 17. The bill makes assistance available for physicians who provide obstetric care at privately owned rural health clinics.
"Senate Bill 3017 will help enhance recruitment and retention efforts,” Dr. Phil Johnson, of Litchfield Family Practice, said. “Doctors, physician assistants, and advanced practice nurses for rural health care facilities are very concerned about both recruiting and retaining skilled medical staff.”
Medical professionals working in private clinics were previously not eligible for loan forgiveness. Senate Bill 3017 ensures that those who work in private rural health facilities can also be eligible for loan forgiveness.
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