LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (April 20, 2017) - CHI St. Vincent announced today that a new Arkansas law will make it easier to attract and retain physicians from around the world to the renowned Arkansas Neuroscience Institute (ANI). 

Act 1061, signed into law by Gov. Asa Hutchinson this week, provides greater flexibility for out-of-state doctors to serve in academic roles at Arkansas medical centers. CHI St. Vincent strongly supported the legislation, enacted as CHI St. Vincent prepares for a $10 million expansion and relocation of ANI to the CHI St. Vincent North campus in Sherwood. 

“Within our ministry is a world-class destination for brain surgery and neurological research at the Arkansas Neuroscience Institute,” said Chad Aduddell, CEO of CHI St. Vincent. “As ANI grows and we attract world-class providers to central Arkansas, it was important to us to have the ability to recruit medical professionals who desire to help us grow our educational and research capacity. This law helps us in those efforts, and ultimately, helps us better serve the people of this state. We greatly appreciate Gov. Hutchinson and the Legislature for adopting this bill.” 

Aduddell and ANI Director Dr. Ali Krisht attended a ceremonial bill signing with Gov. Hutchinson at the Capitol this week. The governor praised the new law as an example of legislation that helps recruit talent to the state and strengthen medical institutions, while easing bureaucratic restrictions. 

Under the previous law, physicians in academic settings were required to be affiliated with a specific in-state institution to be licensed in the state. The new law allows for teaching professionals to be affiliated or under the supervision of other accredited programs. 

“To be known as the destination for anyone considering treatment for neurological problems, you need to have the structure that we are developing into, the skills that we already have and the need to expand to attract those physicians who want to be in an academic environment,” said Dr.  Krisht, who is also a faculty member at CHI-affiliated Creighton University. “They can now come to a place where they can still work in a research setting, while providing excellent treatment and high-quality care to patients.” 

Sen. Missy Irvin of Mountain View sponsored the legislation.  

"Arkansas is already home to excellent physicians and healthcare facilities. This law opens opportunities for our state to invite out-of-state physicians to collaborate, work, do research and provide excellent healthcare for our citizens," Sen. Irvin said. "CHI St Vincent has a long-standing reputation for excellence and I look forward to their continued success with the Arkansas Neuroscience Institute. It was an honor to sponsor this legislation and work with my colleagues and the Governor to provide more opportunities to improve healthcare for our state."