To meet the demands of an increasing number of Medi-Cal patients and provide timely clinical care, the Public Health Dept and ADMHS requested that the Board of Supervisors increase the maximum potential recruitment bonuses to help them attract physicians. A study had found that new patient appointments can take as long as three months at the Santa Maria, Lompoc, and Franklin health care centers. Public Health currently has seven vacancies for physicians, and 87% of candidates for such positions declined offers in the past year. The Board approved the request November 10. When negotiating with potential hires, the two departments can now offer up to $75,000 to help repay medical school loans, offset moving and housing expenses, and so forth.
Before the vote:
http://lompocrecord.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/incentive-plan-hopes-to-cure-staffing-shortages-in-sb-county/article_ff6ea7e4-7649-53dd-bec7-bbc6c40f2a6f.html
After the vote:
http://lompocrecord.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/county-supervisors-ok-additional-staffing-incentives/article_69b64458-90d2-5110-b5c5-162f715b566b.html
