Governor Lombardo has issued an executive order requesting the Patient Protection Commission (PPC) to tackle Nevada’s shortage of healthcare professionals. The PPC was established to assess the healthcare requirements of Nevadans, and now it must concentrate on building a competent healthcare workforce to provide care to residents. According to state data, nearly 70% of Nevada’s population resides in areas with a scarcity of primary care providers.
To address this issue, Governor Lombardo has assigned the PPC with evaluating data and best practices related to recruiting and retaining healthcare workers, improving access to primary care and public health services, removing obstacles that hinder recruiting and retaining workers, identifying funding options for strengthening the healthcare workforce, and ensuring strategies for increasing reimbursements incentivize better quality and value for taxpayers.
Recently, the Nevada Current reported that licensing requirements and the state’s lack of reciprocity agreements with other states are preventing some healthcare providers from operating in Nevada. Another significant challenge is the aging population of patients and doctors in the state. About one-third of Nevada physicians are 60 years old or older. Last month, the American Dental Association and the National Center for Interstate Compacts presented a reciprocity compact for dentists and dental hygienists to state lawmakers.
Governor Lombardo’s emphasis on addressing Nevada’s shortage of healthcare professionals is crucial for ensuring that residents have access to quality and timely care. By analyzing data, identifying best practices, and exploring funding options, the PPC can play a critical role in creating a robust and sustainable healthcare workforce in the state.
