(WYMT) – Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers is working to address the state’s healthcare shortage through SJR 116, which would direct three state universities to develop a plan to keep student doctors to practice medicine in underserved areas.
Stivers said the shortage leaves many folks traveling long distances for certain medical treatment, and the travel can be costly. Due to this, many residents may also see a delay in treatment or none at all.
“If you’re in Hyden or Manchester or Hazard or Harlan, do you have to go to Tennessee or Lexington or Somerset or London?” Stivers said. “Those become detrimental, especially if you’re a low-income individual to have to travel distance to access health care.”
Stivers cited research from the Association of American Medical Colleges showing that 57% of doctors remain in the state where they complete their residency.
He said that finding is central to why the resolution targets the University of Kentucky, the University of Louisville and Eastern Kentucky University.
“Being also a quasi-state entity, we can direct them,” Stivers said. “We can’t direct a private entity or community, but we can direct the universities because they are subdivisions of the state of Kentucky.”
Under the resolution, the three universities would be required to work together and engage outside stakeholders in building their plan.
A budget of $250,000 is allocated to the universities for things such as hiring personnel for demographic and population studies.
“That will give those three entities the opportunity to engage with the Kentucky Medical Association, the Kentucky Hospital Association, the nurses, the different associations within those associations,” Stivers said.
The universities’ plan must be presented to the legislature by Jan. 1, 2027.
“We need to start the process now because we’re losing more and more access to health care in various areas of the state,” Stivers said.
Stivers said success for this initiative would mean better access to healthcare, a repopulation of healthcare professionals in underserved areas, and a robust network utilizing technology for remote diagnostics and consultations, providing 24/7 access to expertise.
Use this link to keep up with Senate Joint Resolution 116.