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State of Alaska Health Planning & Systems Development Unit

Workforce Planning &
Development Activities

 

The Health Planning and Systems Development unit is involved in a variety of workforce development activities. Community needs and agency concerns guide the unit’s involvement in workforce planning and development. The unit conducts research and ongoing data collection. The HPSD staff supports statewide workforce development training and technical assistance.

 

Key areas:

Workforce Programs:

• National Health Service Corps — a federally funded HRSA program assisting communities and health care professionals to provide quality health care. NHSC scholars are new physicians, dentists, nurse practitioners, and other health professionals who received scholarships through the program in exchange for an obligatory placement in an underserved community. Separately, the NHSC loan repayment program forgives student loans in exchange for work in an underserved location. HPSD staff works to recruit qualified sites to participate in the NHSC program. Staff works to assure that sites that apply for participation meet the qualifications of the NHSC.
• J-1/National Interest Waivers — supports policy of accepting non-U.S. citizens in high need areas where recruitment does not meet demands. Alaska DHSS Policies and Procedures Regarding J-1 Visa Waivers
• 3RNet — a web site which provides a national resource for recruiting applicants for Alaska health professional vacancies. This site provides updated research regarding recruitment and retention issues.
• Recruitment networking — HPSD staff works collaboratively with all recruiters in the State.
• Liaison with University of Alaska — HPSD staff works with Medical/PA/Nurse Practitioner/Social Work/Dental schools to broaden student awareness to practice in Alaska; School of Social Work and Nursing School.
• CHATS — Community Health Aide Training & Supervision Program.  State support to tribal organizations.

Workforce Partners:

• Alaska Center for Rural Health
• Alaska Dental Action Coalition
• Alaska Health Education Consortium (AHEC)
• Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority
• Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium     
• Alaska State Hospital and Nursing Home Association
• Anchorage Project Access
• Alaska Primary Care Association  
• Denali Commission
• HRSA (Bureau of Health Professions)
• Institute for Social and Economic Research
• MEDEX — (University of Alaska and University of Washington Physician Assistant Training Program.)
• University of Alaska
• University of Washington School of Medicine

Workforce Research:

• Provider survey/vacancy research — track placement, vacancy rates, and turnover of health care professionals.
• Funding Research — locating funding sources and possible partnerships for workforce development in and for rural Alaska.
• Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSA) — a federal designation that may apply to a geographic area or population which allows programs to take advantage of certain workforce programs such as applying for NHSC participation. (Research and application.)
• MUA/MUP — a federal designation that may allow an organization to apply for Community Health Center funding. (Research and application.)

Workforce Reports:

• Alaska Health Care Data Book — a report summarizing the current state of our knowledge regarding many factors that impact the health of Alaskans, and provides a quantitative portrayal of our health care system. 
• SORRAS report – Status of Recruitment Resources and Strategies, — a comprehensive report indicating cost of recruitment for ten health care professions in Alaska.
• Physician Supply Task Force report — an analysis of physician supply and demand and recommendations for the State of Alaska.

Workforce Training /Technical Assistance:

• Emergency Medical Services — support emergency response volunteer workforce training.  
• Workforce Development Training — sharing of tools, best practices and current research findings at conferences and health summits within the State and Northwest region.
• Individual technical assistance — provided to clinics as requested.
• Rural Hospital Flexibility Program — supports workforce development and collaborative relationships between Critical Access Hospitals and emergency medical services.
• Preceptor/Cultural Awareness Trainings — community trainings provided.
• Community Health Aide Training and Supervision — state support to tribal health organizations for CHA/CHP training.