Advocacy Correspondence: PA Senate Health and Human Services Committee, HAP Support for Senate Bill 614

October 28, 2025

Members of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee:

On behalf of more than 235 member hospitals and health systems, The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP) writes to support Senate Bill 614, sponsored by Senator Michele Brooks.

This legislation would establish the Primary Care Preceptorship Program providing funding for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) to offer preceptorship opportunities for students preparing for careers as primary care clinicians, dental providers, and behavioral health professionals.

Pennsylvania continues to face a persistent shortage of health care and behavioral health care professionals across all settings. Policymakers, educators, and health care leaders must work together to strengthen the workforce needed to meet patient needs today and in the future. These shortages, which are especially acute in rural communities, create bottlenecks throughout the care continuum, delay patient transitions to the most appropriate care settings, and strain hospital care teams.

Preceptors play a critical role in preparing the next generation of Pennsylvania’s health care providers, guiding students through clinical training and bridging the gap between education and practice. Unfortunately, there are not enough preceptors to meet the current demand. Senate Bill 614 would expand training opportunities for students and strengthen the workforce pipeline needed to meet patient care needs across the state.

HAP respectfully urges the committee to support Senate Bill 614.

Please feel free to reach out to me or Sarah Lawver, HAP’s senior director, state advocacy, if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

 

Arielle Chortanoff
Vice President, State Advocacy

 

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Topics: Behavioral Health, Workforce

Revision Date: 10/28/2025

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