Programs and Services
The Primary Care Office (PCO) is funded by federal grants from the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) to support multiple programs through the following services:
• Complete applications for federal designation of Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) or Medically Underserved Areas or Populations (MUA/Ps). These designations support eligibility for increased federal funding and recruitment of health professionals;
• Review applications and provide letters of support for the Nevada Conrad 30/J-1 Physician Visa Waiver and National Interest Waiver (NIW) programs to bring international medical graduates to underserved areas in Nevada;
• Review site applications and provide recommendations for the HRSA Loans and Scholarships.
• Provide support for recruitment and retention of primary care providers in designated areas.
Oversight
The Primary Care Advisory Council (PCAC) was established in 2008 for the Nevada Conrad 30/J-1 Physician Visa Waiver program, to enhance oversight of the PCO and the services provided, in an advisory capacity to the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health Administrator.
Linkages
Primary Care Partners collaborate to develop strategies for data sharing, recruitment and retention, and expanded access to primary care. Participants include representatives from the following organizations: Nevada Office of Rural Health, Nevada Primary Care Association, Nevada Rural Hospital Partners, Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education, Nevada Area Health Education Centers, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Nevada System of Higher Education, Community Coalitions, multiple Nevada health professional licensing boards, and dozens of Nevada safety net sites.
Recruitment and Retention Plans
The documents linked below are site-specific recruitment and retention plans that were developed to be used as templates for safety-net providers. They contain detailed information about their respective communities and clinic sites, as well as personnel and hiring information, and engagement of community-based partners in retaining health care professionals. Please feel free to adapt these plans for your own clinic and community.
• Douglas Counseling and Supportive Services, Recruitment and Retention Plan for Mental Health Professionals
• Lyon Counseling and Supportive Services, Recruitment and Retention Plan for Mental Health Professionals
The Midwest Retention Toolkit 2012 is another great resource for our partners who are interested in this subject.