Representative Kenneth Fleming urged the committee to amend the scope of House Bill 305 to ensure physician assistants and dietitians are explicitly covered by a health-care workforce incentive program created earlier by House Bill 200.

Fleming, who identified himself as a state representative for the 40th House District, told the committee that conversations with the Council on Postsecondary Education and medical experts showed a “significant need” to clarify that those two professions were intended to be included in program language. He cited shortages in rural parts of the state and described dietitians’ role in managing conditions such as diabetes.

Representative Rorke, who spoke in support during committee discussion, described personal experience accessing dietitian services and said expanding access would help patients translate clinical guidance into practical, long-term changes. “I can’t overstate how important it is to have someone with that expertise,” Rorke said.

The committee moved and seconded the bill and, after roll call, reported House Bill 305 with a favorable recommendation. The clerk recorded 14 aye votes, 0 no votes. The chair stated the bill “passes for favorable expression” and noted the same should pass on the full House floor.

The record does not show the text of a floor amendment or a final statutory redraft in committee; the committee action was a favorable report and did not itself enact statutory changes. The transcript indicates the intention to include physician assistants and dietitians in the program originally created by House Bill 200, which the sponsor described as an earlier law aimed at addressing shortages across a broad spectrum of health professions.

Votes at a glance: House Bill 305 — favorable report (14–0).