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Physician Assistant Education Public Health Initiatives Act of 2021
12/30/2022, 5:47 PM
Summary of Bill HR 3890
One key provision of the bill is the establishment of grant programs to support physician assistant education programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. These grants would help institutions expand their programs, increase enrollment, and improve the quality of education and training for future physician assistants.
Additionally, the bill includes provisions to increase the diversity of the physician assistant workforce by promoting recruitment and retention of individuals from underrepresented minority groups. This is seen as a crucial step in addressing health disparities and ensuring that all communities have access to culturally competent healthcare providers. Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the importance of public health initiatives in physician assistant education. It calls for the integration of public health principles and practices into the curriculum, as well as the promotion of community-based learning experiences for students. This approach is intended to better prepare physician assistants to address the broader social determinants of health and work effectively within the public health system. Overall, Bill 117 HR 3890 seeks to strengthen the physician assistant workforce, improve access to healthcare services, and promote health equity across the United States. By investing in education and training programs, supporting diversity initiatives, and emphasizing public health principles, the bill aims to address the healthcare needs of all Americans, particularly those in underserved communities.
Congressional Summary of HR 3890
Physician Assistant Education Public Health Initiatives Act of 2021
This bill establishes multiple grants within the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) concerning clinical education and training of physician assistants.
First, HRSA must award grants to physician assistant education programs to expand training at underserved sites (e.g., federally qualified health centers). HRSA must allocate 50% of the grant funds for rural sites and give priority to programs that propose expanding clinical rotations in pediatrics, women's health, or behavioral health.
Second, HRSA must also award grants to physician assistant education programs for implementing telehealth curricula.
Last, HRSA must award grants to qualified nonprofits and institutions of higher education for research on the use of simulation to mitigate shortages of clinical training sites and other ways to improve education and training of physician assistants.
