Medically underserved areas.

Existing law, the Medical Practice Act, provides for licensure and regulation of physicians and surgeons by the Medical Board of California. Existing law establishes the California Healthcare Workforce Policy Commission and requires the commission to, among other things, identify specific areas of the state where unmet priority needs for primary care family physicians and registered nurses exist. This bill would declare the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation that would help increase the number of physicians and surgeons, registered nurses, and other health care professionals in medically underserved areas.