The bill aims to expand the eligibility criteria for the rural recruitment assistance program in South Dakota to include chiropractors and optometrists, alongside existing healthcare professionals such as certified nurse midwives, certified nurse practitioners, dentists, physicians, and physician assistants. The amendments to Section 34-12G-1 specify that the Department of Health may assist rural communities in recruiting these healthcare professionals. Additionally, new sections are introduced to outline the eligibility requirements for chiropractors and optometrists, stating that they must be licensed and agree to practice in an eligible rural community for a minimum of three years, with a cap on the number of participants from each profession.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing language to clarify the incentive payment structure for healthcare professionals who fulfill the program's requirements. The incentive payment amounts are specified for physicians, dentists, chiropractors, and optometrists, as well as for physician assistants, certified nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives, and certified registered nurse anesthetists. The bill also modifies the obligations of rural communities regarding their contribution to the incentive payments based on community size, ensuring that the financial responsibilities are clearly defined. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance healthcare access in rural areas by incentivizing a broader range of healthcare providers to practice in these communities.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/22/2025: 34-12G-1, 34-12G-3, 34-12G-4, 34-12G-5