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Senate committee backs resolution directing state medical schools to craft plan for underserved areas
Summary
The Senate Standing Committee on Health Services voted unanimously to advance Senate Joint Resolution 116, which asks UK, UofL and Eastern Kentucky University to develop a one‑year framework to address health‑care deserts through recruitment, training and other tools.
President Robert Stivers introduced Senate Joint Resolution 116 to the Senate Standing Committee on Health Services, asking the Commonwealth's public medical schools to prepare a plan within a year to address underserved and unserved areas of Kentucky.
The resolution directs the University of Kentucky, the University of Louisville and Eastern Kentucky University to collaborate with other stakeholders "to come up with solutions" for service gaps, Stivers said. He listed potential tools the schools may consider, including loan forgiveness, scholarships, recruitment strategies and technology to expand access.
Committee members pressed for details about the nature of the shortage. Senator Carroll asked how many students are being turned away from medical schools and how many additional slots would be needed; Stivers and other lawmakers said admissions are competitive and retention — getting graduates to practice in underserved areas — is as large a problem as admissions capacity.
Some members noted existing data that suggest Kentucky's shortage is partly a distribution problem. A committee member cited a UnitedHealthcare state report indicating Kentucky's shortage is less severe than some other states but still suffers from maldistribution of physicians.
Stivers told the committee he expected the three public schools to brief legislators as they develop the plan and recommended engagement with groups such as the Kentucky Medical Association and hospitals. He said Eastern Kentucky University will add an osteopathic program in coming years and that existing teaching hospitals are the major sources of new physicians.
After discussion, the committee moved the resolution and voted; Chairman Meredith announced the vote was unanimous and reported that SJR 116 passed out of committee with a favorable expression.
The resolution asks institutions to return a proposed framework within a year; it does not itself create new funding or change licensing. Committee members said legislative follow‑up may be necessary once schools report their recommendations.
