The bill amends the law regarding the Graduate Medical Education Residency Expansion Board in Arkansas, primarily changing the terminology from "planning grants" to "implementation grants." This change reflects a shift in focus from merely planning to actively implementing new or expanded graduate medical education programs. The board is tasked with allocating funds for these grants, which are awarded to in-state entities that are either creating new programs or expanding existing ones. The criteria for awarding these grants have been expanded to include considerations such as the development of programs in specialties with shortages and increasing positions in medically underserved areas.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new section that defines various terms related to graduate medical education, including "implementation grant," "first-year residency position," and "start-up costs." An emergency clause is included, emphasizing the urgent need for medical professionals in the state and the necessity of distributing funding promptly to prepare training programs for the upcoming academic year. The act will take effect immediately upon approval by the Governor or after the expiration of the veto period.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1384 V2 - 2-10-2025 10:01 AM: 6-82-2002, 6-82-2005, 02-10-2025, 6-82-2003, 6-82-2004
Old version HB1384 Original - 2-3-2025 02:50 PM: 6-82-2002, 6-82-2005, 6-82-2003, 6-82-2004
HB 1384: 6-82-2002, 6-82-2005, 6-82-2003, 6-82-2004
Act 196: 6-82-2002, 6-82-2005, 02-10-2025, 6-82-2003, 6-82-2004