AN ACT TO REQUIRE THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE STATE BOARD OF MEDICAL LICENSURE, THE MISSISSIPPI BOARD OF NURSING AND THE MISSISSIPPI HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION, TO ESTABLISH AND IMPLEMENT THE DELTA MEDICAL APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM (MS DMAP) FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS ENROLLED IN GRADES 9 THROUGH 12 IN SCHOOLS SITUATED IN COUNTIES OF THE MISSISSIPPI DELTA FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING CAREER PATHWAYS INTO HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONS; TO REQUIRE THE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM TO BE CONDUCTED IN CONJUNCTION WITH LICENSED MEDICAL FACILITIES IN THOSE DELTA COUNTIES EXPERIENCING CRITICAL SHORTAGES IN HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS; TO PRESCRIBE THE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM; TO PRESCRIBE THE COMPONENTS TO BE INCLUDED IN THE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM; TO REQUIRE THE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM TO PROVIDE ACADEMIC AND PRACTICAL APPLICATION INSTRUCTION DURING THE COURSE OF THE PROGRAM; TO REQUIRE PARTICIPATING STUDENTS TO COMPLETE CERTAIN TASKS AND RESEARCH PROJECTS; TO LIMIT PARTICIPATION IN THE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM TO RESIDENTS OF THE COUNTIES OF THE MISSISSIPPI DELTA ENTERING GRADES 9 THROUGH 12 IN A PUBLIC SCHOOL; TO REQUIRE ELIGIBLE PERSONS TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR PARTICIPATION TO THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION; TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT TO MAKE THE APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE TO LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS BY A CERTAIN DATE AND TO ESTABLISH THE DEADLINE FOR ACCEPTANCE OF APPLICATIONS; TO PROVIDE AN INCENTIVE IN THE FORM OF A REDUCED TUITION RATE FOR STUDENTS PARTICIPATING IN THE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM; TO ESTABLISH THE MISSISSIPPI DELTA MEDICAL APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM TRUST FUND IN THE STATE TREASURY TO PROVIDE SUPPORT TO LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND THE BOARD OF MEDICAL LICENSURE FOR START-UP COSTS AND COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH IMPLEMENTING AND OPERATING THE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM; TO AMEND SECTION 37-71-7, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO MAKE A MINOR NONSUBSTANTIVE CHANGE; TO BRING FORWARD SECTIONS 37-71-9 AND 31-71-11, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, FOR PURPOSES OF POSSIBLE AMENDMENT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
Impact
Beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, the MS DMAP will be implemented in conjunction with the State Board of Medical Licensure, the Mississippi Board of Nursing, and the Mississippi Hospital Association. The program is structured to require students to complete both academic and practical components, including tasks that enhance their knowledge of healthcare. The intention is for the program to foster a pipeline of qualified healthcare workers to alleviate the shortage in the region, ultimately having a positive effect on the healthcare system's capacity to serve local populations.
Summary
House Bill 72, known as the Mississippi Delta Medical Apprenticeship Program Act (MS DMAP), aims to address the critical shortage of healthcare professionals in the Mississippi Delta region. The bill mandates the establishment of a comprehensive apprenticeship program for public school students in grades 9 through 12 residing in the Mississippi Delta counties. This initiative seeks to create pathways into healthcare careers and promote educational accountability among students, enabling them to gain hands-on training in licensed medical facilities while still in school.
Contention
Key provisions of the bill include eligibility requirements for participants, such as maintaining a minimum GPA and demonstrating a commitment to studying healthcare, as well as the requirement for students to submit applications for acceptance into the program. Critics may raise concerns regarding the feasibility of the program's implementation, especially regarding funding and resources needed for successful operation. Nonetheless, supporters argue that such a program is essential for improving health outcomes in the region and equipping students with the skills necessary for future employment in the healthcare field.
Mississippi Career and Technical Education Employability (MissCATEE) Program; establish to provide tuition-free community college for certain CTE programs.