42 U.S.C. § 294b — Continuing educational support for health professionals serving in rural and underserved communities

(a) In general: The Secretary, as appropriate, must make grants to, and contract with, eligible entities to support accredited continuing medical education for primary care physicians and health care providers at community health centers or rural health clinics. The goal is to improve and increase access to care for patients in rural and medically underserved areas. Grants or contracts may be used to improve health care, increase provider retention, increase the representation of minority health care providers, improve the practice environment, increase primary care physician and provider knowledge, and share information and educational support to reduce professional isolation through timely research updates. (b) Eligible entities: "Eligible entity" means an entity described in section 295o–1(b), such as a community health center or rural health clinic. (c) Application: An eligible entity applies to the Secretary in the form, manner, and timeframe the Secretary requires, including (1) a description of how the funded activities will improve access to and quality of health care, and address training needs of primary care physicians and providers; and (2) a plan for peer-to-peer training, as appropriate. (d) Use of funds: (1) In general: An eligible entity must use its grant or contract funds to provide innovative supportive activities that enhance education for primary care physicians and providers, through distance learning, continuing educational activities, joint conferences, and electronic and tele-learning activities — with priority given to providers seeking additional education in specialty fields such as infectious disease, endocrinology, pediatrics, mental health and substance use disorders, pain management, geriatrics, and other appropriate areas. The goal is to (A) improve retention of primary care physicians and providers and increase patients' access to specialty care, and (B) support access to integrated specialty care through existing service delivery locations and across care settings. (2) Clarification: An entity may use these funds for continuing education activities that include a clinical training component, including in-person patient care, at the community health center or rural health clinic, with the primary care physician or provider and the clinical specialist giving the additional training. (e) Administrative expenses: An entity receiving a grant or contract may use no more than 5 percent of the funds for administrative expenses. (f) Non-duplication of effort: The Secretary must ensure this program's activities do not unnecessarily duplicate other Health Resources and Services Administration programs, including activities under section 254c–20. (g) Authorization: Congress authorized $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2023 through 2025.