FISCAL NOTE
Date Requested: February 16, 2026
Time Requested: 04:24 PM |
| Agency: |
Higher Education Policy Commission |
|---|
| CBD Number: |
Version: |
Bill Number: |
Resolution Number: |
| 4108 |
Introduced |
HB5573 |
|
|---|
| CBD Subject: |
Health |
|---|
|
FUND(S):
General
Sources of Revenue:
General Fund
Legislation creates:
Creates New Expense, Increases Existing Expenses
Fiscal Note Summary
Effect this measure will have on costs and revenues of state government.
This bill amends the Rural Health Initiative Act of 1991 to address medical care deserts, particularly in obstetric and gynecological care. The legislation defines "medical care desert," requires primary health care education sites to include obstetric and gynecological services, and mandates evaluation of existing sites, identification of care deserts, and development of a remediation plan within specified timeframes. The bill creates a new Office of Rural Medical Education and Workforce Development to promote/coordinate rural medical residency programs, gather workforce data, and coordinate physician recruitment and retention.
Fiscal Note Detail
| Effect of Proposal |
Fiscal Year |
2026
Increase/Decrease
(use"-") |
2027
Increase/Decrease
(use"-") |
Fiscal Year
(Upon Full
Implementation) |
| 1. Estmated Total Cost |
0 |
35,000 |
35,000 |
| Personal Services |
0 |
25,000 |
25,000 |
| Current Expenses |
0 |
10,000 |
10,000 |
| Repairs and Alterations |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Assets |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Other |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| 2. Estimated Total Revenues |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Explanation of above estimates (including long-range effect):
The amendments regarding obstetric and gynecological care do not significantly impact new costs for the Rural Health Initiative (RHI) because these services are already included within the existing program definitions and are currently being provided at rural health education sites. The legislation is primarily formalizing the work surrounding rural medical residencies by creating a new Office of Rural Medical Education and Workforce Development within the Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) to coordinate these activities. Estimated costs include $25,000 for salaries and benefits to cover the increased workload for current personnel conducting required evaluations, developing remediation plans, and performing ongoing coordination functions. Additionally, the Commission estimates $10,000 for operating expenses related to general office expenses, site visits, outreach efforts, and meeting statutory oversight requirements. However, if the intent is to develop and expand medical residency programs rather than simply coordinate existing rotations, there will be significant costs that cannot be determined without additional program specifications. Expanding residency capacity would require significant costs for residency program directors and faculty, resident stipends, and facility and equipment upgrades. The $35,000 estimate covers administrative coordination and planning activities only and does not include funding for actual expansion of residency training capacity.
Memorandum
Person submitting Fiscal Note: Misty Price
Email Address: misty.price@wvhepc.edu