CA SB40

Creates a 5-year pilot program (California Medicine Scholars Program) commencing January 1, 2023, to establish a pipeline from California Community Colleges to medical school, targeting primary care physician shortages in underserved communities.

Establishes 4 Regional Hubs of Health Care Opportunity (RHHOs) across California, each consisting of at least 3 community colleges, 1 four-year university, 1 medical school, and 3 community organizations, with at least one RHHO located in the central valley.

Requires RHHOs to recruit and select 50 California Medicine Scholars per year from 2023-2026, with a total of 200 initial scholars, providing students with internships, mentorship, and support for transfer and medical school applications.

Requires the managing agency and Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development to jointly submit a final evaluation report to the Legislature by June 30, 2027, measuring program success through specified metrics including student recruitment, transfer rates, and diversity outcomes.

Program becomes inoperative on June 30, 2027, and is repealed as of January 1, 2028; implementation is contingent on legislative appropriation of sufficient funds.