(1) It is the finding of the Legislative Assembly that there is need to provide programs that will assist a rural community to recruit and retain physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners. For that purpose:

(a) The Legislative Assembly supports the development at the Oregon Health and Science University of an Area Health Education Center program as provided for under the United States Public Health Service Act, Section 781.

(b) The university shall provide continuing education opportunities for persons licensed to practice medicine under ORS Chapter 677 who practice in rural areas of this state in cooperation with the respective professional organizations, including the Oregon Medical Association and the Oregon Society of Physician Assistants.

(c) The university shall seek funding through grants and other means to implement and operate a fellowship program for physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners intending to practice in rural areas.

(2) With the moneys transferred to the Area Health Education Center program by ORS § 442.870, the program shall:

(a) Establish educational opportunities for emergency medical services providers in rural counties;

(b) Contract with educational facilities qualified to conduct emergency medical training programs using a curriculum approved by the Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Systems Program; and

(c) Review requests for training funds with input from the State Emergency Medical Service Committee and other individuals with expertise in emergency medical services. [Formerly 352.095; 1999 c.1056 § 8; 2011 c.703 § 33]