Governor Lombardo has issued an executive order calling upon the state’s Patient Protection Commission to address the shortage of healthcare professionals in Nevada. The governor emphasized the need for the commission to focus on building a sufficient health care workforce to meet the needs of residents. Currently, Nevada ranks 45th in the nation for the ratio of active physicians to the population, with only 218 physicians per 100,000 residents compared to the national average of 272.
Approximately 70% of the state’s population resides in areas with a shortage of primary care providers. To combat this issue, Lombardo has tasked the Patient Protection Commission with evaluating data and best practices related to attracting and retaining healthcare workers, improving access to primary care and public health services, and removing obstacles to recruiting and retaining workers. The commission will also explore funding options for strengthening the healthcare workforce and increasing reimbursement rates to incentivize better quality and value for taxpayers.
The state’s physician shortage is further exacerbated by an aging population of patients and physicians. About a third of Nevada physicians are 60 years of age or older, according to state data. Licensing requirements and the lack of reciprocity agreements with other states have also been identified as barriers preventing providers from working in Nevada. To address these challenges, Governor Lombardo has issued an executive order that aims to build a sustainable healthcare workforce that can meet the needs of residents now and in the future.
