Senator Frantz: Expand License Fee Waivers for Volunteer Physicians
March 7, 2012Hartford – State Senator L. Scott Frantz (R-36) testified on Wednesday, March 7th before the General Assembly’s Public Health Committee in support of S.B. 260, An Act Concerning Expansion Of The License Renewal Fee Waiver For Certain Retired Physicians.
“Within the State of Connecticut, there are hundreds of retired doctors and dentists who would like to continue to volunteer their services, and I believe there is a great case to be made to change the state statutes to permit them to perform these free services without having to pay the annual $565 license renewal fee.”
Currently, Public Act 08-31 allows for the free renewal of a medical license for physicians who practice medicine at no cost in a public health facility. However, it omits similar volunteer service at certain other health organizations.
This bill would “expand the license renewal fee waiver for physicians who provide volunteer medical services for a local health department, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Veterans Health Administration, a U.S. Coast Guard medical clinic or Doctors Without Borders.”
“I am grateful for the committee agreeing to hear the bill and urge the members to consider expanding the no-fee renewal clause to cover these truly selfless doctors,” concluded Senator Frantz. “SB 260 will help to encourage more skilled volunteers to provide health care services and appears to be a win-win for the people of Connecticut.”