The Joint Meeting of the Senate and Assembly Committee on Health and Human Services held on May 26, 2025, focused on significant health care initiatives in Nevada, particularly the governor's health care bill aimed at improving access to medical services across the state.

Dr. Wolfgang Gilliard, Dean at Touro University’s College of Medicine, expressed strong support for the governor's bill, emphasizing its potential to create a more welcoming environment for health care providers. He highlighted the importance of reducing barriers related to physician recruitment, credentialing, and reimbursement processes. Dr. Gilliard noted that these changes are essential for enhancing the overall health care landscape in Nevada.

In addition to workforce recruitment, Dr. Gilliard underscored the critical need for the Office of Mental Health, advocating for coordinated early intervention services that could significantly benefit the state's health. He pointed out that such initiatives would have a positive impact across all regions of Nevada.

Touro University is committed to training health professionals, graduating 70 students annually, with plans to increase this number to 100 in the coming years. This growth could lead to 1,000 new physicians serving Nevada communities over the next decade. Dr. Gilliard praised Senate Bill 495, which aims to foster public-private partnerships to address the health care workforce shortage, particularly in underserved areas. He expressed gratitude for the inclusion of private nonprofit institutions in the initiative, noting that provisions like accelerated licensure and rural incentives are vital components of a comprehensive solution to the state's provider shortage.

The discussions at this meeting reflect a concerted effort by Nevada's leadership to enhance health care access and address workforce challenges, with a focus on collaboration and innovative solutions.