| Wednesday, 22 February 2012 17:40 |
| PIERRE, S.D. (AP) _ South Dakota's House has passed two bills in an effort to help end the shortage of medical professionals in rural counties. One bill allows doctors or dentists who work at a rural facility for three years to get reimbursed for double the cost of attending the University of South Dakota School of Medicine for four years. The measure expands eligibility to physicians in fields like pediatrics and gynecology. Physician assistants, nurse practitioners and midwives could also apply. They'd get twice the resident tuition for three years of study. The second bill gives $10,000 to professionals like dietitians to paramedics who commit to three years. Facilities cover some of the bonuses and the state pays after participants complete the three-year job. The bills go next to the Governor's desk. (Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) |

