The proposed legislation, General Assembly Substitute Bill No. 6979, aims to enhance physician recruitment and retention in Connecticut by amending existing laws related to medical licensing and professional liability insurance. Key changes include the repeal of subsection (b) of section 19a-88, which is replaced with new provisions allowing retired physicians to renew their licenses at a reduced fee starting January 1, 2026. The bill also mandates the Commissioner of Public Health to adopt regulations defining "retired from the profession," outlining procedures for retired physicians to return to active practice, and establishing restrictions on their scope of practice, particularly for those providing volunteer services without compensation.

Additionally, the bill modifies section 20-11b to require licensed physicians providing direct patient care to maintain professional liability insurance, with specific coverage amounts. It introduces a new provision that allows compliance with insurance requirements when providing services at certain tax-exempt clinics under specific conditions. Furthermore, the legislation establishes a student loan repayment program for healthcare providers offering primary care and behavioral health services in the state, 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 loan repayment program is effective immediately upon passage.