Nevada legislators are considering a three-bill package to incentivize dentists and doctors to practice in rural areas of the state, the Las Vegas Sun reported March 8.
The bills would encourage practicing in rural areas by providing student loan repayment assistance and adjusting residency programs in the state.
The Physicians for Underserved Areas Act would revise medical residency programs in shortage areas to give physicians a greater chance at getting an available residency slot in the state if a hospital closes elsewhere in the U.S. The Resident Education Deferred Interest Act would pause student loan interest accrual and principal loan payments for medical and dental students serving a residency or internship. The Specialty Physicians Advancing Rural Care Act would create a student loan repayment program for specialist providers who practice in rural areas.
All 17 counties in the state are experiencing shortages, according to Sen. Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., who introduced the bill package. She introduced a similar package last year that gained some bipartisan support but did not advance to the Senate floor for a vote.