Oklahoma State Department of Health

PROJECT PURPOSE

Healthcare workers of all specialties are a scarce resource throughout Oklahoma. A system to incentivize those seeking specialized health care education and training with a commitment to provide health care services in our most underserved areas. Additionally, financial incentives to recruit existing healthcare and public work force is gravely needed to help fill the void across the state. The approach must be broad and multifaceted to account for the varying levels and expertise of the workforce needs. This effort would seek to add and/or retain 5,000 healthcare workers of all disciplines with an emphasis on rural communities.

EVIDENCE

There is clear and compelling evidence of healthcare workforce shortages across the state and nation. Recent trends have shifted recruitment bonuses to retention bonuses, as retention bonuses help to maintain continuity in workforce more than recruitment bonuses that can indirectly encourage workforce mobility. Incentivizing those seeking healthcare field education and training can encourage the state?s talent healthcare candidates to serve in areas of need.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

There are communities across the state which have access to care issues due to healthcare workforce shortages. These, often rural populations, are particularly vulnerable without the healthcare workforce needed to continue public health efforts in these areas.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

During implementation of this project, data will be collected to identify the number of healthcare workers recruited with this investment, including data on percentage of healthcare workers recruited for rural areas.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

One-time project will not need continued funding