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HB 4815

Allow community health center to provide sign-on bonus

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ray Canterbury and 5 co-sponsors

Authorizes West Virginia community health centers to offer sign-on bonuses for hiring healthcare workers to address staffing shortages in underserved areas.

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Bill Summary · HB 4815

Legislative bill overview

HB 4815 would authorize community health centers in West Virginia to offer sign-on bonuses to recruit and retain healthcare workers. The bill addresses workforce shortages at federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) by providing financial incentives for employment. This represents a targeted approach to improving healthcare access in underserved areas.

Why is this important

Community health centers serve low-income and rural populations who often face limited healthcare access. Healthcare worker shortages directly impact service availability and wait times at these facilities. Sign-on bonuses could help attract qualified medical professionals to areas where recruitment is challenging and compensation may be lower than in urban centers.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding source unclear: The bill's fiscal impact is unknown—it doesn't specify whether centers fund bonuses from existing budgets, state appropriations, or federal grants, raising sustainability questions
  • Market fairness concerns: Bonuses might create wage competition between community centers and other healthcare employers, potentially disadvantaging rural hospitals or private practices
  • Accountability measures: No specified guardrails on bonus amounts, eligibility criteria, or requirements that funded workers remain employed for minimum periods, risking misuse of resources

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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