HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO 85.

(By Delegates M. Poling, Paxton, Barill, D. Campbell, Craig, Crosier, Ennis, Lawrence, Moye, Pethtel, Perry, Rodighiero, Shaver, Smith, Walker, Duke, Sumner, Armstead, Ellington, Gearheart, Pasdon, Rowan, Savilla and Sigler)

[Originating in the Committee on Education.]

(February 17, 2011)

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to conduct a study on effective methods of attracting to and retaining in West Virginia additional practicing health care professionals.

    Whereas, There is a critical need for additional practicing health care professionals in West Virginia; and

    Whereas, For nearly twenty years the state and medical schools have delivereded health sciences programs and provided training in rural areas of the state in order to recruit more graduates to those areas; and

    Whereas, During this time period the percentage of physician graduates in primary care practice in rural areas of the state has remained essentially unchanged; and

    Whereas, For rural and under-served areas of the state, the most important healthcare provider consideration is physicians serving in family practice; and

    Whereas, Where family practitioners locate has a strong impact on where other health care professionals, such as nurse practitioners and physician assistants, locate; and

    Whereas, A key component of the rural healthcare system in West Virginia are federally funded community health care centers; and

    Whereas, Having a strong healthcare system serves not only to improve the overall health and quality of life for citizens, but also is critical to the economic development of this state; and

    Whereas, In order to develop and maintain a strong healthcare system serving all areas of the state, the state must implement a strategy for attracting to and retaining in West Virginia additional practicing health care professionals; therefore, be it

    Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

    That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study effective methods of attracting to and retaining in West Virginia additional practicing health care professionals; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the said Joint Committee on Government and Finance is requested to report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2012, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and draft necessary legislation are requested to be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.