Pulse on Carolina Health, Episode 6 – From Policy to Practice: Healthcare Workforce Reform in Action

In this episode, host Josiah Irvin of Smith Anderson’s Health Care practice is joined by Wes Edwards, chief financial officer of MedFirst Primary and Urgent Care, and Smith Anderson attorney John Gibson for a discussion on the healthcare provider workforce and recent licensure reforms in North Carolina.

The conversation focuses on House Bill 67, newly enacted legislation aimed at addressing provider shortages across the state. The panel explores key components of the law, including North Carolina’s entry into the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, new licensure pathways for internationally trained physicians, the pending licensure compact for physician assistants and expanded team-based practice models for PAs.

Beyond the statutory framework, Wes offers an insider perspective on provider recruitment, retention and the day-to-day operational challenges facing primary care practices, while examining how these licensure reforms may reduce barriers to care, support value-based healthcare models and expand access for underserved communities.

Stay tuned for episode 7, where healthcare industry leaders will tackle the pressing challenges in today's complicated healthcare system.

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