OTHER RESOURCES

Those interested in practicing rural medicine may also find the following links helpful:

• The Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure is the state entity that licenses and regulates physicians in Kentucky. This web site contains the Board's quarterly newsletters, as wells as forms to apply for licensure.

• The Kentucky Department for Public Health maintains data and makes recommendations regarding designated shortage areas. The Health Professional Shortage Area Designation list (HPSA) is a federal classification that qualifies certain areas for the National Health Service Corps, Kentucky State 20 Waiver Program and other benefits to improve access to primary health care. Additional information is available at the Bureau of Primary Health Care.

• The Kentucky Hospital Association has a directory of Kentucky hospitals available on their web site.

• If you are a member of the Kentucky Medical Association, KMA's Practice Management section contains information regarding credentialing, contracting, health plans, practice issues and other useful information for those established in practice, as well as those just starting out.

• The National Health Service Corps offers incentives such as scholarships and student loan repayment in return for health care providers to serve in rural and underserved areas.

• The National Rural Recruitment & Retention Network (3Rnet) is a not-for-profit, web-based organization that focuses on assisting health providers locate practices in rural areas.