Pennsylvania HR 534: A Resolution directing the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a study on medical student choice in primary care and issue a report.

Bill Text

PRINTER'S NO. 3429
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No. 534
Session of
2026
INTRODUCED BY VENKAT, HILL-EVANS, MERSKI, HOWARD, SANCHEZ,
GUZMAN, CEPEDA-FREYTIZ, PARKER, T. DAVIS AND BOYD,
MAY 21, 2026
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, MAY 22, 2026
A RESOLUTION
Directing the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a
study on medical student choice in primary care and issue a
report.
WHEREAS, A report on physician shortages in this Commonwealth
was generated in response to House Resolution No. 735 (2014),
and a subsequent report was issued in response to House
Resolution No. 625 (2020); and
WHEREAS, These reports recommended improving physician
workforce data collection and analysis, expanding graduate
medical education opportunities, strengthening pipeline programs
and encouraging medical schools to implement initiatives aimed
at increasing the supply of physicians, particularly in primary
care; and
WHEREAS, The reports further recognized that pipeline
programs can help address health care disparities, as students
from rural backgrounds are more likely to practice in rural
communities and students underrepresented in medicine are more
likely to serve underserved populations; and
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WHEREAS, Despite these efforts, this Commonwealth continues
to face shortages of primary care physicians, particularly in
rural and underserved areas designated as Health Professional
Shortage Areas; and
WHEREAS, This Commonwealth is currently home to 10 accredited
medical schools, with an 11th anticipated, representing a
critical opportunity to influence the future physician
workforce; and
WHEREAS, Evidence demonstrates that communities with an
adequate supply of primary care physicians experience lower
mortality, improved management of chronic disease, reduced
hospitalizations and lower overall health care costs; and
WHEREAS, Increasing the number of medical students choosing
and remaining in primary care is essential to ensuring access to
care and addressing health disparities across this Commonwealth;
and
WHEREAS, Improving diversity within the physician workforce
is critical to advancing health equity and ensuring culturally
competent care for Pennsylvania's increasingly diverse
population; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives direct the Joint
State Government Commission to conduct a study on medical
student choice in primary care, including the extent to which
medical schools promote primary care careers, incorporate
primary care experiences into their curricula and track and
report graduate retention in primary care; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission seek
input and information as appropriate from the following:
(1) The Department of State.
(2) The Department of Health.
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(3) Pennsylvania medical school deans or a designated
representative.
(4) The Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians.
(5) The Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Academy of
Pediatrics.
(6) The Pennsylvania Chapter of the American College of
Physicians.
(7) The Pennsylvania Medical Society.
(8) The Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association.
(9) The Pennsylvania Association of Community Health
Centers.
(10) Representatives of primary care graduate medical
education programs.
(11) Other individuals or organizations with expertise
in physician workforce development and medical education;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the report of the Joint State Government
Commission contain findings and recommendations, including any
proposed legislation or funding, addressing the following:
(1) The percentage of medical students entering and
remaining in primary care specialties, by institution.
(2) The demographics of students entering and remaining
in primary care, including race, ethnicity, gender,
geographic origin and socioeconomic background.
(3) The percentage of students entering primary care who
remain in this Commonwealth for graduate medical education
and subsequent practice.
(4) Institutional mechanisms used to track graduate
specialty choice and long-term retention in primary care.
(5) Efforts by medical schools to promote primary care
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careers.
(6) Educational programs, clinical experiences and
training tracks designed to encourage primary care.
(7) Programs and supports aimed at increasing diversity
among students pursuing primary care careers.
(8) Participation in service-based programs such as the
National Health Service Corps or State loan repayment
programs.
(9) The impact of medical student debt on specialty
choice, including average debt levels among those entering
primary care specialties;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission issue a
report of its findings and recommendations to th