SECOND REGULAR SESSION
SENATE BILL NO. 1274
92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR SHIELDS.
Read 1st time February 19, 2004, and ordered printed.
TERRY L. SPIELER, Secretary.
4600S.01I
AN ACT
To amend chapter 191, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to area health education centers.
Section A. Chapter 191, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as section 191.1015, to read as follows:
191.1015. 1. The "Missouri Area Health Education Centers" program is hereby established as a collaborative partnership of higher educational institutions and regional area health education centers and others entities that have entered into a written agreement with the program. These higher educational institutions and regional area health education centers are recognized as program offices or regional centers by the federal area health education centers program pursuant to 42 U.S.C. Section 294a. The program is designed to improve the supply, distribution, availability, and quality of health care personnel in Missouri communities and promote access to primary care for medically underserved communities and populations.
2. The Missouri area health education centers board is hereby established within the department of health and senior services. The board shall consist of ten members that are residents of Missouri. The members of the board shall include:
(1) The director of the department of health and senior services or the director's designee;
(2) The commissioner of the department of higher education or the commissioner's designee;
(3) Two members of the senate appointed by the president pro tempore of the senate;
(4) Two members of the house of representatives appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives; and
(5) Four members to be appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate, one of whom shall represent the northern portion of the state, one of whom shall represent the southern portion of the state, one of whom shall represent the eastern portion of the state, and one of whom shall represent the western portion of the state.
Members of the board shall be appointed by February 1, 2005. Of the members first appointed to the council, five shall serve a term of four years and five shall serve a term of two years, and thereafter, members shall serve a term of four years. Members shall continue to serve until their successor is duly appointed and qualified. Any vacancy on the council shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment.
3. The board shall have discretionary authority to monitor policy direction and ensure that all applicable requirements of the federal area health education centers program are met.
4. The area health education centers program shall:
(1) Develop and enhance health careers recruitment programs for Missouri students, especially underrepresented and disadvantaged students;
(2) Enhance and support community-based training of health professions students and medical residents;
(3) Provide educational and other programs designed to support practicing health professionals; and
(4) Collaborate with health, education, and human services organizations to design, facilitate, and promote programs to improve access to health care and health status in Missouri.
5. The Missouri area health education centers board shall report annually to the governor and the general assembly on the status and progress of the Missouri area health education centers program.