On behalf of the community health centers providing primary health care services in medically underserved areas, the Association supports this program. At this time, we have no recommendations for changes to the regulations governing the program. This and similar programs, assist greatly in recruiting physicians to underserved areas, particularly rural areas.

We ask the state to renew funding for this program, at significant levels, as an economic development action to create jobs in underserved, economically challenged areas, as well as improving access to primary health care services, and as a tool for assisting in recruiting and retaining physicians to practice and live in MUAs.