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WV HB5573
Bill
Status
Introduced
2/16/2026
Primary Sponsor
Denny Canterbury
Click for details
AI Summary
- Creates the Rural Medical Residency Program within a new office of rural medical education and workforce development to address physician recruitment and retention in rural areas and medical care deserts
- Adds obstetric and gynecological care as a required focus area for the Rural Health Initiative, including mandatory inclusion at primary health care education sites
- Defines "medical care desert" as an area where health care needs are unmet due to lack of access, quality, facilities, long wait times, high costs, or other barriers
- Requires the vice chancellor and board of trustees to evaluate existing rural health care education sites for compliance by June 30, 2026, and to identify health care deserts with a remediation plan by December 31, 2026
- Expands rural hospital physician respite loan programs to include obstetric and gynecological care clinics and practices
Legislative Description
Rural Medical Residency Program concentrating on obstetrics and gynecology for rural hospitals, can be funded from the Rural Health Inititive or other sources funded by the legislature.
Health
Last Action
To House Education
2/16/2026
Committee Referrals
Education2/16/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available