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Idea to send: |
| Topic | Free Clinics for Rural Communities |
| Content | Whereas, Oklahoma's population has poorer health than the rest of the nation; and whereas, Oklahoma has a significant (indeed critical) shortage of physicians, particularly in rural areas; and whereas, because of nationwide demographics, this problem is becoming progressively more urgent; and whereas, access to care is a major problem for many Oklahomans; and, whereas, suing professionals who are in short supply is a poor way to attract and retain them in our state.
Now, therefore, the Oklahoma legislature should act immediately and agressively to add practicing physicians to all populated areas of the state, particularly rural areas by 1) reimbursing physicians for their medical school and training costs and, 2) reducing the cost of malpractice insurance and the number of lawsuits that Oklahoma physicians face.
Process-- Recently trained, board certified physicians, no matter the locale of their medical school/training, would be eligible for reimbursement of medical school and training costs up to $25,000 per year of active practice in urban areas and $50,000 per year of active practice in rural areas as certified and administered by the State Health Department. Physicians demonstrating a blended practice between rural and urban areas would be eligible for a pro ration between the $25,000 and $50,000 amounts. Malpractice reforms should be results-oriented and structured in a way to pass Oklahoma Supreme Court review.
Cost: $1M per year would help to increase the number of physicians in the state by approximately 30; and over the years, this would had a substantial impact on the health of all Oklahomans. |
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