Local providers say a new state law will improve access to health care for people in rural areas around Illinois.
Several groups and providers are praising the new law, which expands a program that assists with student loan repayment for medical professionals who agree to provide care in underserved rural areas. Senator Doris Turner’s bill expands the program to include physician assistants and advanced practical nurses.
Officials with Springfield Clinic and the Illinois Rural Health Association say that will make it easier to attract and retain qualified personnel to provide care in areas where medical services have been harder to obtain.
