IN SB0538

Urges the legislative council to assign the issue of health care provider shortage in Indiana to an appropriate study committee for examination

Study committee must examine current and projected future needs for health care providers, including demand for registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nursing faculty at higher education institutions

Study committee must evaluate effectiveness of current shortage-addressing programs in Indiana and other states, including scholarships, tuition reimbursement, loan forgiveness, faculty development, and residency programs

Study committee must assess capacity of higher education institutions to train adequate health care providers, compare funding sources, and determine whether targeted or comprehensive approaches would be more effective

Study committee must submit recommendations and final report to the legislative council in electronic format no later than November 1, 2017; this section expires December 31, 2017