CT SB00401

Department of Public Health shall develop a health care workforce shortage initiative in collaboration with the Department of Higher Education, Labor Department, Office of Workforce Competitiveness, University of Connecticut, UConn School of Medicine, UConn School of Dentistry, Connecticut State University System, and regional community-technical colleges.

Initiative shall expand existing health care educational programs, develop alternative programs for displaced workers and career changers, recruit underserved populations, and establish collaborative relationships between health care professions.

Initiative includes development of distance learning initiatives and on-the-job training programs designed to provide work experience and address health care workforce shortages in underserved areas.

Commissioner of Public Health shall report on the initiative to joint standing committees of the General Assembly on higher education, employment advancement, public health, and labor by January 1, 2012.