TO ESTABLISH THE ARKANSAS RURAL PRECEPTORSHIP PROGRAM ACT.

Senate Bill 504 establishes the Arkansas Rural Preceptorship Program Act, designed to address the shortage of physicians in the state's rural areas. This program provides funding for medical students to complete preceptorships, or clinical placements, in participating rural clinics, hospitals, and healthcare facilities. Eligible medical institutions include the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and the Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine. The Division of Higher Education will administer the program, reimbursing participating institutions at a per diem rate for up to three weeks of a student's placement, with funding from public or private sources.