A Butler County legislator plans to introduce a bill in the state Senate that would expand tuition reimbursement to medical or health care professionals who join the National Guard.

State Sen. Scott Hutchinson, R-21st, wrote in a memorandum to colleagues Tuesday that he will introduce legislation to expand the Medical Officer Health Incentive Program, a reimbursement system for health care providers who join the National Guard.

Currently, Hutchinson wrote in his co-sponsorship memorandum, the program has been a success. But, he added, it's incomplete. Some health professionals, such as dentists and physician assistants are not eligible for reimbursement under its current iteration.

Dentists and physician assistants would be included under Hutchinson's proposal, he wrote, as would others left out of the program.

Moreover, Hutchinson wrote his proposal would create “reimbursement tiers” based on the provider's level of education, allowing more funds to providers, such as physicians and physician assistants.

“Act 78 (of 2014, which created the program) was a resounding success, bringing numerous health professionals into the Guard to fill a crucial need,” Hutchinson wrote. “This legislation will only strengthen the program and allow for even more health professionals to take advantage of this opportunity.”