Not enough training sites for future medical professionals

You want medical professionals to have some experience before you go to see them with a health complaint – that’s why on-the-job training is required for licensing.

But Minnesota doesn’t have enough clinical training sites to get students the experience they need, and it’s contributing to statewide workforce shortages, Rep. Tony Albright (R-Prior Lake) told the House Health and Human Services Finance Committee Thursday.

HF743, sponsored by Albright, would direct the Department of Health to offer grants for eligible programs to better train advanced practice registered nurses, physician’s assistants, pharmacists, mental health professionals, and dental therapists.

Two amendments were adopted and the bill was laid over for possible inclusion in an omnibus bill. Its companion, SF182, sponsored by Sen. Greg Clausen (DFL-Apple Valley), awaits action by the Senate Health and Human Services Finance and Policy Committee.

“Clinical sites and related training are essential to train the Minnesota health care workforce. That is without a question. Clinical hours ... provide real-life experiences in patient care under the supervision of a licensed professional,” Albright said.

WATCH Committee discussion of the bill 

But providing training sites for students can be difficult and cause delayed graduations, Albright said.

Grant recipients could use the funds in a variety of ways: to establish or expand their clinical training programs; connect students with training opportunities; pay for travel and lodging; provide salaries and financial incentives; or improve training sites.

Funds could also be used to recruit, train, and retain students and faculty.

The bill seeks a yet-to-be-determined amount from the General Fund in Fiscal Year 2018 and most likely assist 10 to 15 programs each year, Albright said.

Recipients would be selected through an application process that would not only look at how the money would be used, but also how many additional students would receive training and how the program intends to maintain the changes made possible by the grant.

Amounts would vary depending on each program’s application score and available funds.