HB 935 Summary

• Repeals section 381.0403 regarding the Community Hospital Education Act and establishes a new physician workforce assessment framework under section 381.4018.

• Creates the Physician Workforce Advisory Council with 23 members appointed by the State Surgeon General, state agency heads, and legislative leaders to advise on physician workforce needs and strategic planning.

• Establishes physician workforce graduate medical education innovation pilot projects funded by state appropriations to expand residencies in needed specialties, rural areas, and underserved communities, with state funds providing up to 50 percent of project costs.

• Requires the Department of Health to analyze physician survey results and report annually to the Governor and Legislature on the number of physicians by geographic area and specialty who plan to relocate, practice in-state, or reduce their scope of practice.

• Council members serve 4-year terms without compensation and must meet twice yearly; the department must adopt rules establishing performance measures to evaluate pilot project effectiveness and impact on workforce needs.