SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) announced the release of approximately $1.8 million in grants to 17 family nurse practitioner and physician assistant training programs to help expand health care access to Californians most in need.
On November 5, the California Healthcare Workforce Policy Commission, which recommends funding awards for multiple medical disciplines under the Song-Brown Healthcare Workforce Training Act, approved award recommendations for 12 family nurse practitioner programs, four physician assistant programs and one dual nurse practitioner/physician assistant program. The Song-Brown Act funds institutions that train medical professionals to provide care in medically underserved areas of the state.
See the entire list of awardees on the HCAI website.
“The Song-Brown program continues to advance its mission to increase the state’s primary care providers,” said Dr. William Henning, chair of the California Healthcare Workforce Policy Commission. “In a time of pandemic, economic instability and health care uncertainty, Song-Brown funding supports improved access for underserved and vulnerable populations. Recognizing the valuable contributions made by California nurse practitioners and physician assistants to underserved communities, Song-Brown funds now support almost 17 nurse practitioner and physician assistant programs annually and has funded 622 new positions since 2017.”
The Commission recommended $1,380,000 for family nurse practitioner programs, $324,000 for physician assistant programs, and $144,000 for the dual family nurse practitioner/physician assistant program. In all, 154 positions will be supported by these grant funds. HCAI has approved the award recommendations by the Commission.
Organizations qualify for the grant awards based on their ability to attract and admit underrepresented minorities into their programs, as well as those from underserved communities. Residency programs must train students in underserved areas and place their graduates in those regions.
HCAI is the leader in collecting data and disseminating information about California’s healthcare infrastructure. HCAI promotes an equitably distributed healthcare workforce and monitors the construction, renovation and seismic safety of hospitals and skilled nursing facilities. HCAI also provides loan insurance to assist in the capital needs of California’s nonprofit healthcare facilities. Learn more about HCAI at www.hcai.ca.gov, and follow us on social media at Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn.