The proposed bill establishes the "Health Training Corps" within the Department of Health, aimed at addressing the shortage of health care professionals in underserved areas. It creates a stipend program for preceptors—experienced health professionals who supervise and train health professional students and newly licensed professionals. The bill outlines the responsibilities of the corps, including recruiting preceptors, prioritizing placements in specific health care areas, and maintaining a list of eligible health training sites. Additionally, it defines key terms related to the corps and its operations.
To support the corps, the bill creates the "health training corps fund," which will be financed through appropriations, gifts, and other revenue sources. The fund will be used for recruiting and training preceptors, paying stipends, and providing support to preceptors at health training sites. The bill appropriates $3 million from the general fund for the health training corps fund for fiscal year 2027 and subsequent years, ensuring that any unspent funds do not revert to the general fund.