Synopsis:

This bill would add pediatric specialists–including developmental disability specialists–to the list of medical students/practitioners eligible for the National Health Service Corps. The NHSC offers student loan forgiveness and scholarships for practitioners or students who commit to working in medically underserved communities. Delaware has underserved communities in every county, a determination made based on the ratio of residents to providers, the percentage of residents under federal poverty guidelines, the percentage of the population over 65 years old and the infant mortality rate. Opponents to the bill point out that it does not include an appropriation for the NHSC to offer additional awards. They are concerned that widening the applicant pool without increasing the number of awards would cause fewer primary care physicians to receive financial support, which was its original purpose.

Supporters:

Sens. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Susan Collins (R-Maine) et al.; Reps. Billy Long (R-Mo.), Joe Courtney (D-Conn.), Barbara Comstock (R-Va.) et al.; American Academy of Pediatrics, American Medical Association, American Pediatric Society, Association of University Centers on Disabilities, Child Neurology Society, March of Dimes, Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance.

Opponents:

A number of primary care physicians.

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