The South Dakota House of Representatives has passed a bill approving more than $800,000 for the state Department of Health to reimburse certain health care professionals who have complied with the requirements of the recruitment assistance and the rural health care facility recruitment assistance programs.
Rep. Dan Ahlers, R-Dell Rapids, said the incentive programs have proven track records keeping needed health care providers in rural communities.
House Bill 1042 sets aside $550,581 for the Department of Health to reimburse four family physicians, one physician assistant and four nurse practitioners, and $285,000 to reimburse other eligible health care practitioners who have met the requirements of the program.
The bill passed by a 66-2 margin. Passage required a 2/3 vote because the bill involves an appropriation. It now heads to the Senate.
