An Illinois group studying health care shortages has issued 23 recommendations in a new report.
Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck of the Illinois Department of Public Health led the effort. He says shortages of doctors and other professionals could keep patients newly insured under the Affordable Care Act from getting good care.
The recommendations include formalizing training for community health workers and funding student loan repayment for health professionals in underserved areas.
They also include a fast track to credentials for military veterans who gained medical experience at war. The group also calls for an unbiased review of legislation on what's called scope of practice, that is, what emerging professions such as physician assistants and nurse practitioners are allowed to do.
