PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - Lawmakers are considering a bill aimed at expanding medical care in rural South Dakota by offering a bigger incentive payment to professionals who commit themselves to a facility for three years.
The House Health Committee unanimously approved a Senate bill that gives $10,000 to participants in what has been known as the South Dakota Health Professional Recruitment Incentive Program. The payment has been $5,000.
The program targets professionals who provide care in rural communities of at most 10,000 people. Sixty professionals selected by the Health Department can participate each year, from dieticians to paramedics.
Participating facilities must work with Medicaid and help cover a portion of the incentive payment. The state would pay its part after the professional completed the 3-year commitment.
The bill now goes to the House floor.
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