Incentives for doctors OK'd
By Gazette News Services
http://www.billingsgazette.net
CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Legislature has passed a bill aimed at luring more doctors to the state.
The bill that now heads to Gov. Dave Freudenthal would create a grant program through the state Department of Health to recruit more doctors.
The bill would allow physicians and hospitals searching for additional medical professionals to apply for grants.
The program would give priority to rural areas where access to health care is limited. The incentive package would include moving expenses, two years worth of medical malpractice insurance premiums and a signing bonus of up to $30,000. A conference committee slashed funding for the program from $800,000 to $400,000.
Rep. Jerry Iekel, R-Sheridan, said that should be enough to bring five doctors to the state.
