Primary Health Care Practitioners – Family physicians, pediatricians, internists, obstetricians, dentists, along with certified nurse midwives, physician assistants, and certified registered nurse practitioners – provide the basis for access to the health care system for most people. This fundamental role makes it especially important to continually assess and assure both a sufficient supply of primary care practitioners, and an appropriate level of access to primary care, regardless of ability to pay for services.  

Act 113 of 1992 established the Primary Health Care Practitioner Program, and charged the Pennsylvania Department of Health with the responsibility of developing a comprehensive program to support the supply and distribution of primary care practitioners.