The bill modifies Wyoming's medical education provisions to enhance the focus on healthcare in rural settings. It introduces new requirements for the University of Wyoming's board of trustees to consider geographic healthcare needs and priorities identified by the office of rural health before entering into contracts for medical education. The board is also tasked with maximizing the number of students trained to meet these needs and may implement recruitment programs to attract high-performing students. Additionally, the bill establishes a Medical School Student Fund to support students with relocation costs, guaranteed minimum income during residency, and other educational expenses, while ensuring that the principal of the fund remains intact.

Furthermore, the bill mandates the University of Wyoming to report on its plans to modify medical education agreements, the number of students enrolled in healthcare programs, and potential collaboration with local healthcare providers. It requires the university to provide a long-term strategic plan to address healthcare needs and suggests funding sources for these initiatives. The joint labor, health and social services interim committee, along with other committees, will review these reports and may propose legislation based on the findings. The act is effective immediately upon its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 21-17-109