Concern
The distribution of OB providers in this State adversely impacts access to prenatal care for the uninsured and under-insured.
Recommendation 1
Loan Redemption
The State should increase funding and visibility of the State loan redemption program aimed at providing relief to clinicians graduating from OB/Gyn residencies and Nurse-Midwifery programs who plan on practicing in New Jersey.
Provide loan redemption opportunity to providers (OB, APN, CNM) who agree to practice in underserved communities.
Recommendation 2
Tort Reform
It is recommended that the overall issue of medical malpractice be examined particularly to the relationship with OB providers. There is a need to examine the medical malpractice subsidy to ensure a meaningful and sufficient impact on OB malpractice premiums. According to the Task Force on Medical Care Availability, the current subsidy does not significantly contribute to providers decision to practice in the State.
Currently, malpractice premium subsidies are only available to physicians. Nurse-Midwives who are not practicing in FQHC's (covered by tort reform) should be able to access this benefit.
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