Budget Plan Could Eliminate Funds for Nurse Training
Inland universities and hospitals that train medical professionals could lose $1.5 million in federal funding for scholarships and other programs under the Bush administration's proposed fiscal year 2007 budget, the Riverside Press-Enterprise reports.
President Bush proposed freezing or significantly reducing funding for scholarships and training grants for health professions. The training programs help hospitals, rural health centers and inner-city clinics recruit and retain staff, according to Erica Froyd, a senior legislative analyst with the Association of American Medical Colleges.
Inland college and hospital officials criticized the proposal, saying there already is a shortage of health professionals at a time when the population is aging and demand for medical services is expected to grow.
Doug Bagley, CEO of Riverside County Regional Medical Center, said hospitals and universities "really need ... a significant increase in funding to expand nurse-training programs" (Beeman, Riverside Press-Enterprise, 2/14).