According to the Health Resources Services Administration, as of 2023, 72 of Arkansas’ 75 counties are partially or fully considered Health Professional Shortage Areas. More than 500,000 Arkansans live in HPSAs. Nationwide, by 2034, the Association of American Medical Colleges projects a shortage of between 37,800 and 124,000 physicians. Some states, including Arkansas, have begun to implement solutions to this primary care shortage, such as bolstering the responsibilities and skills of nurse practitioners. Ryan Cork, executive director of health care for the Northwest Arkansas Council, and his colleagues have implemented a plan to help patients still receive care despite the shortage while lessening the burden on emergency departments.
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