NC S696

Direct the General Administration of the University of North Carolina to study ways to increase primary care residencies in underserved areas of North Carolina.

Study shall involve collaboration with academic medical centers, medical associations, and specified organizations including Duke University, East Carolina University, Wake Forest University, and the North Carolina Medical Society.

Study must assess state health care needs, develop strategies to increase physician supply, establish specialty priorities, and identify barriers to recruitment and retention of physicians in underserved areas.

Study shall consider pilot demonstration projects, innovative training methods, scholarships for North Carolina medical school residents, and strategies to increase minority representation in medicine.

Report findings and recommended legislation to the Joint Legislative Health Care Oversight Committee by April 1, 2012.