The proposed legislation, General Assembly Substitute Bill No. 6979, aims to enhance physician recruitment and retention in Connecticut by introducing new provisions for retired physicians and establishing a student loan repayment program for healthcare providers. Key changes include the repeal of subsection (b) of section 19a-88, which is replaced with a requirement for licensed medical professionals to register annually with the Department of Public Health. Starting January 1, 2026, retired physicians will have the option to renew their licenses at a reduced fee, with specific regulations to be adopted by the Commissioner of Public Health regarding the definition of "retired from the profession," procedures for returning to active employment, and restrictions on their practice scope.

Additionally, the bill modifies section 20-11b to require that licensed medical professionals providing direct patient care maintain professional liability insurance, with specific coverage amounts outlined. It also expands the definition of compliance to include those providing primary or behavioral health care services at certain tax-exempt clinics under specific conditions. Furthermore, the bill establishes a student loan repayment program for healthcare providers in primary care and behavioral health, with the Commissioner of Public Health authorized to set eligibility criteria and participant obligations. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, for most provisions, while the student loan repayment program will be effective upon passage.