Two Texas state lawmakers are trying to address the state’s shortage of physicians through two new pieces of legislation, 3 News reported March 23.
Senate Bill 2666, introduced by state Sen. Juan ‘Chuy’ Hinojsa and House Bill 4801, introduced by Rep. Denise Villalobos, would create grant funding for hospital districts. The funding will create additional residency slots and support hospitals in recruiting more physicians in high-demand areas of medicine.
Jonny Hipp, CEO and administrator of Nueces County Hospital District, told the publication that he was confident the bills would pass and would be effective methods of targeting the physician shortage in Texas.
“The timing is right, right now to address it. We know on one hand that we have needs, on the other hand, we know the state is interested in trying to address the residency spots we need in the community and, three, right now, the state has money,” Mr. Hipp told the publication.