Currently, state law requires that candidates must have a doctorate in medicine and license to practice, a degree in osteopathic medicine and a license to practice, a doctorate degree in public health or a masters of science plus five years experience in health administration services.
Under the new bill, the candidate would be exempt from previous requirements and instead would need a master’s degree in any field and experience managing a state agency or large project.
Proponents of the bill state it simply broadens the requirements, allowing for more flexibility for recruitment to the top health position. However, others have pointed out that the pandemic taught the state that there is a strong need for qualified medical professionals to guide health policy decisions.
The bill has passed through the state Senate and now awaits vote in the state House of Representatives.
At Becker's 4th Annual CEO + CFO Roundtable, taking place November 2–5 in Chicago, more than 1,500 hospital and health system executives tackle decisions that determine whether organizations thrive or merely survive: protecting margins under cost pressure, choosing where to grow, renegotiating payer relationships, stabilizing the workforce and proving real ROI on technology. This is where leaders work through them together, face-to-face. Apply for complimentary registration now.
