For the City Times

Senator Patrick Testin (R-Stevens Point) introduced a proposal to increase funding for health care workforce training in rural Wisconsin.

The proposal, known as the REACH Act (Rural Education for Advanced Clinicians in Healthcare), provides $1.5 million over the biennium to hospitals and clinics for the training of Advanced Practice Clinicians. The training would aid in the development a number of practitioners, including frontline medical professionals like physician assistants and advanced practice nurses.

“We in rural Wisconsin need access to well-trained medical professionals,” said Sen. Testin. “Over 80% of Wisconsin counties, many comprised of rural areas, have hospital vacancy rates for advanced practice clinicians of over 10%.  This bill gives hospitals and clinics the tools they need to maintain and grow their workforce so that they can meet the needs of the people in their communities.”

The proposal, which will circulate for co-sponsorship until Friday, March 24, is part of the Rural Wisconsin Initiative (RWI). The RWI is comprised of several legislative packages that aim to expand access to health care, education, technology, and workforce development in rural Wisconsin.

Please visit www.RuralWisconsinInitiative.com for further information on proposed legislation and its supporters.