SENATE PRESIDENT ROBERT STIVERS FILES SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION TO EXPAND ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE IN RURAL, UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 25, 2026) — Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, filed Senate Joint Resolution 116 directing Kentucky’s public teaching universities to develop a comprehensive, evidence-based plan to improve access to health care across rural and underserved areas of the Commonwealth.

The resolution will require the University of Kentucky, University of Louisville, and Eastern Kentucky University to submit a detailed report to the General Assembly by January 1, 2027, outlining specific, actionable strategies to expand health care delivery, including physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, mental health professionals, and other essential providers. The resolution will also encourage universities to take advantage of developments like artificial intelligence (AI), using health care avatars and other emerging technologies.

The bill proposes $250,000 to support the development of the report and ensure a thorough review of workforce data, recruitment models, and policy options.

Rural health care as an economic imperative

Stivers emphasized that rural health care is not solely a medical issue; it is also an economic one.

“Health care access is directly tied to economic vitality,” Stivers said. “If a community cannot provide access to doctors, mental health providers, nurse practitioners, and other health professionals, it becomes far more difficult to attract businesses and retain families.”

In many Kentucky communities, hospitals are among the largest employers, often exceeding the payroll of local school systems. When access to care declines, communities face workforce instability, reduced economic activity, and long-term population loss.

Comprehensive workforce and policy review

The resolution directs the universities to evaluate a broad range of policy considerations, including:

• Expanded use of telehealth, artificial intelligence, and advanced networking technologies to connect rural providers with trauma and specialty centers
• Expansion and modernization of waiver programs to attract international providers to underserved areas
• Recruitment initiatives targeting underserved rural and urban communities
• Loan forgiveness and scholarship programs tied to service commitments
• Streamlined credential recognition for internationally trained physicians
• Strengthening collaboration between advanced practice providers and Kentucky’s trauma system.

The goal is to provide lawmakers with practical, data-driven recommendations that can be implemented in future legislative sessions.

A strategic investment

Stivers noted that while the budget environment is expected to be challenging, strategic investments aimed at long-term structural solutions are necessary.

“This resolution asks our institutions that train much of Kentucky’s health care workforce to give us a clear roadmap,” Stivers said. “We are looking for evidence-based solutions that will help us address health care deserts and improve access for Kentuckians, no matter where they live.”

If adopted, the joint resolution will carry the force of law and require submission of the report by January 1.