House asks universities to study physician shortages, adds Owensboro feasibility language

Lawmakers approved Senate Joint Resolution 116 to coordinate a statewide look at physician shortages and to explore ways to expand healthcare training and opportunities in medically underserved areas.

The House adopted a committee substitute that removed an appropriation and approved a floor amendment—requested by the University of Kentucky—asking the university to study the feasibility of an Owensboro medical campus. Sponsor the lady from Davis said the chamber removed direct funding from the substitute and confirmed the resolution contains no current appropriation; any future funding consideration would follow the study’s findings.

During floor questions members asked whether the study would be funded and who would conduct it; the sponsor said external partners such as the Kentucky Hospital Association have shown interest and universities may collaborate on the feasibility study without immediate state funding. Members emphasized the need to study shortages across physicians and other clinicians, including pharmacists, nurse practitioners and nurses.

The clerk reported 96 yeas and no nays on final passage. Supporters framed SJR116 as a data-driven step to identify duplication, underserved areas and opportunities to align training pipelines with workforce needs; opponents did not register recorded opposition in the transcript.