Illinois Governor Signs Law Promoting Anesthesiologist Care in Medically Underserved Areas

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed into law Senate Bill 2130, which amends the Underserved Health Care Provider Workforce Act to include an anesthesiologist in the definition of “eligible health care provider.” This change will make anesthesiologists eligible for certain grant programs, loan repayment programs, and other programs intended to be awarded to health care providers agreeing to care for patients in specified underserved jurisdictions. Specifically, the program allows for up to $50,000 in loan repayment for a two-year contract for full-time service or four-year contract for half-time service. The new law will become effective January 1, 2024.

The Illinois Society of Anesthesiologists (ISA) was instrumental in promoting this legislation and ensuring the bill made it to the governor’s desk. ASA applauds ISA’s leadership in this important space and its efforts to ensure patients throughout the state, especially those who live in areas where more medical care is needed receive physician-led anesthesia care. ASA also congratulates the Illinois Legislature and Governor Pritzker for prioritizing patient care and ensuring anesthesiologists have the necessary resources to care for patients in underserved areas.