More funding issues for UTRGV medical school
EDINBURG — Just as the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley reached the goal of being recognized as a Health Related Institution by the state for its new School of Medicine, the moment turned bittersweet as the perks of the designation are at stake statewide.
“It was a great thing to have the medical school created and it’s now though at a time when the budget is strained and that there are a lot of cost-savings being placed that are going to impact our ability to really become self-sufficient,” Veronica Gonzales, UTRGV vice president for governmental and community relations, said.
As state officials seek to find middle ground for the battled budget for the next biennium, there has been another clause introduced that could harm many medical schools and other healthcare institutions.
The clause, or rider, was introduced into the special provision section having to do with formula funding for healthcare providers considered HRIs. This funding is sought after by healthcare institutions as it secures special formula funding, but they must meet certain criteria specified in these riders.
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