Rural Renaissance

A wide-ranging proposal dubbed the "rural renaissance bill" is back and ready to be heard by the full chamber in January.

The bill would provide $25 million aimed at helping physicians, physician assistants and APRNs set up practices in rural communities and increase Medicaid payments for “critical access” hospitals.

The Appropriations Committee is scheduled to take up Senate President Ben Albritton's priority "rural renaissance" bill next week, possibly sending it before the full chamber after the session starts in January.

The 138-page bill would provide $25 million for a new program aimed at helping physicians, physician assistants and APRNs set up practices in rural communities.

Senate spokeswoman Katie Betta said in an email that President Ben Albritton intends to revive the rural proposal next year.

The Florida House has taken pieces of the Senate plan and mixed them into at least three other bills, including ones that have drawn opposition.

The Florida Senate passed the measure unanimously.

A bill aimed at building up infrastructure and growing rural communities, is moving forward in the Florida Legislature.

The proposal aims to create “opportunities for rural communities to expand education offerings, increase health care services, and modernize commerce,” according to a news release announcing the filing.