The bill amends the law regarding the Graduate Medical Education Residency Expansion Board in Arkansas, specifically 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 awarding these implementation grants to in-state entities that are either creating new programs or expanding existing ones, with a competitive selection process based on criteria that include addressing specialty shortages and increasing positions in medically underserved areas. The bill also outlines the requirements for grant applications, including the need for a detailed plan for accreditation and a timeline for implementation.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new section that defines key terms related to the graduate medical education process, such as "implementation period," "primary care," and "start-up costs." These definitions aim to clarify the scope and purpose of the grants and the programs they support. The board is also given the authority to prioritize funding for certain specialties and programs based on state needs, ensuring that the distribution of funds aligns with the healthcare demands of Arkansas. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance the state's capacity for medical education and address physician shortages through targeted funding and support.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1384 Original - 2-3-2025 02:50 PM: 6-82-2002, 6-82-2005, 6-82-2003, 6-82-2004
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
HB 1384: 6-82-2002, 6-82-2005, 6-82-2003, 6-82-2004