September Legislative and Community Updates
Recently, I joined state Rep. Matt Longjohn and a bipartisan group of legislators to introduce the Primary Care Transformation Package, House Bills 6288–6295. This legislation is aimed at strengthening Michigan’s primary care system and building the health care workforce our communities need.
Access to primary care remains a challenge across our state. Michigan directs less than 6% of health care spending toward primary care, while primary care shortage areas span 75 of our 83 counties. Nearly one in three Michiganders also lacks regular access to primary care. This package takes a comprehensive approach by investing in the health care workforce, strengthening physician and nursing recruitment efforts, expanding opportunities for young people interested in health careers and addressing financial barriers for students pursuing careers in primary care.
My bill in the package, House Bill 6294, focuses on supporting the health care professionals who train and mentor the next generation of providers. These professionals, known as preceptors, provide students with the hands-on clinical experience, supervision and mentorship they need to become confident and capable health care professionals. However, many preceptors take on this additional responsibility without compensation while continuing to care for their own patients.
As a practicing physical therapist, I know firsthand how important clinical education is in preparing students for a career caring for patients. Under my bill, eligible preceptors could receive a $1,000 state income tax credit for every 250 hours spent supervising and training students completing required clinical rotations in accredited health profession programs, up to $3,000 per year.
If we want to build and retain a strong health care workforce in Michigan, we need to support the professionals who are helping train it. This legislation recognizes the time these providers invest in their students and will help make it easier for more health care professionals to say yes to training the next generation.
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