Oregon Senate Passes Bill to Retain Rural Doctors

Legislation restructures health care incentives, extends malpractice reinsurance program for rural areas.

Photo: Tim King

(SALEM, Ore.) - The Oregon Senate yesterday passed Senate Bill 183, legislation that restructures and extends the malpractice program for rural doctors.

The bill changes the definition of rural and limits providers, resulting in the continuation of the program to 2011 without additional resources.

The bill also adds nurse practitioners and certified nurse midwives to the list of providers eligible for the program.

State Senator Roger Beyer (R-Molalla) was the only no vote.

“This legislation extends an important program that helps the lives of thousands of rural Oregonians,” said Senator Alan Bates (D-Ashland), carrier of the bill. “This is another tool to help more people get the health care they need.”

Physicians eligible for the program must have a rural medical practice, hold an active unrestricted medical license, and carry a minimum level of medical professional liability insurance.

Senate Bill 183 limits the recipients in the program to ensure that funding is used most efficiently to help the most patients and gives a higher subsidy to high-demand providers like OB/GYN’s and general surgeons.

“Health care is an economic development issue for rural communities,” said Senator Bill Morrissette (D-Eugene).

“Without good doctors, they can’t grow. This bill will help attract and keep those doctors.”

Senate Bill 183 is part of the Senate Democratic Agenda to bring much-needed health care providers into rural areas with incentives and scholarships.

Senate Bill 183 will now move to the House for consideration.