Health Professions Education Partnership Act
The Health Professions Education Partnership Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-392) was enacted on November 13, 1998, to address health workforce shortages, enhance diversity, and improve education in health professions in the United States. This act reauthorized and consolidated programs under Title VII of the Public Health Service Act.[1]
Main Objectives and Provisions
Health Professions Education Programs
- Scholarships and Stipends: Grants for health professions schools to offer scholarships to disadvantaged students, focusing on those with financial need and likely to serve in primary care or underserved communities.[1]
- Programs of Excellence: Grants and contracts for enhancing health professions education for underrepresented minorities, aiming at academic performance, faculty development, and research facilitation.[1]
- Public Health Workforce: Support for residency programs in preventive medicine, dental public health, and traineeships to address workforce shortages in public health.[1]
Nursing Workforce Development
Replaced previous provisions with new ones to enhance advanced nursing education, improve opportunities for disadvantaged individuals, and support nurse practitioners and midwives.[1]
Area Health Education Centers (AHECs)
Expansion or enhancement of the Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) program to support community-based training for health professionals in underserved areas.[1]
Research and Advisory Committees
Support for advisory bodies like the Council on Graduate Medical Education (COGME) to assess physician supply and distribution.[1]
Funding
Authorized appropriations for the various programs, though specific funding details are not provided in the legislation summary.[1]
Impact and Legacy
- Diversity and Workforce Development: Significant contributions to diversifying the health professions by creating educational pathways for underrepresented groups.[1]
- Education Reforms: Encouraged partnerships to improve health professions education, particularly in addressing shortages in specific areas or specialties.[1]
- Challenges: Fluctuations in funding and legislative focus have impacted the continuity of these initiatives.[1]