NC S440

Direct the General Administration of The University of North Carolina to study ways to increase primary care residencies in underserved areas of North Carolina in collaboration with academic medical centers and medical associations.

Study must include participation from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Hospital Authority/Carolinas HealthCare System, Duke University, East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine, UNC Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, and state medical associations.

Study shall assess the state's health care provider needs, develop strategies to increase physician supply, establish specialty priorities, and recommend allocation of new Graduated Medical Education (GME) positions to address workforce issues.

Study must identify barriers to recruitment and retention of physicians in residencies, consider scholarship programs for North Carolina medical school residents, and evaluate innovative training models for rural areas and underrepresented minorities.

Report findings and recommended legislation to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services by April 1, 2014.