Problem Solvers Endorse Bill to Address National Physician Shortage
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus announced its endorsement of the Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act, legislation to expand the healthcare workforce in medically underserved areas.
More than 83 million people in the United States currently live in areas without sufficient access to a primary care physician. This number is expected to increase significantly in the coming years as physician shortages around the country accelerate. According to estimates, the United States could face a shortage of as many as 120,000 physicians by 2030.
The Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act would extend the Conrad 30 Waiver program, which allows foreign doctors studying in the United States to obtain a visa following medical residency if they practice in a medically underserved area for at least three years. Under current law, foreign doctors must return to their home country upon completing medical residency and wait two years before they can apply for a new visa or green card.
The legislation also bolsters important workplace protections for recipients, improves the process for obtaining a visa, and provides a path to increase the number of waivers available to states beyond the current allotment of 30 waivers per state if certain requirements are met.
The bipartisan legislation was introduced by Representatives Brad Schneider (IL-10) and David Valadao (CA-22) and has 113 additional cosponsors, 28 of whom are Members of the Problem Solvers Caucus. The bill was brought forward for Caucus endorsement by Representatives Schneider and Valadao.
"The American medical education system attracts top international talent and produces the best-trained graduates in the world," said Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10). "It is irrational and irresponsible to force these highly-skilled new doctors out of the country at a time when many of our communities struggle to meet the demand for qualified physicians. Expanding the Conrad 30 visa waiver program is a commonsense step that both parties can support to help more Americans have access to quality health care practitioners in their communities."
“Rural communities in the Central Valley and across the country too often lack basic and necessary healthcare services, forcing people to drive long distances for routine medical treatments or forego care altogether,” said Congressman David Valadao (CA-22). “Programs like Conrad 30 are a critical part of correcting this problem by helping bring qualified physicians into rural and medically underserved areas across the country. I’m glad to see the Problem Solvers Caucus come together to endorse this bipartisan bill, which will help meet the urgent healthcare needs of our underserved communities.”
"We cannot let patients suffer without the help they need because of a shortage of healthcare professionals to care for them. I’m proud to cosponsor the Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act to help expand the healthcare workforce in our marginalized and underserved communities,” said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05). “We live in the greatest country in the world, and I’m glad the Problem Solvers Caucus came together to endorse this bipartisan legislation to help ensure our health outcomes also reflect that.”
“As our country faces a growing shortage of healthcare providers, rural communities in PA-1 and across the nation are particularly vulnerable, struggling to access the quality care they deserve,” said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01). "The Conrad 30 program is essential in delivering world-class medical services to these underserved regions. This bipartisan legislation addresses critical gaps in our healthcare system, expanding access to care and ensuring that American-educated physicians bring their exceptional training and expertise to the communities that need it most."
“Western North Carolina’s mountainous terrain and isolated communities can make it challenging for citizens to access health care in a timely manner,” said Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11). “The Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act that I’m co-sponsoring will help increase the number of physicians in rural areas, such as our district, by allowing foreign medical graduates who agree to work at least three years in a medically underserved area to apply for a waiver extending their visa to stay in the U.S. During a time when our nation is facing a shortage of doctors, this bill provides a practical solution to meet a critical need.”
The full text of the bill can be found here.
###
The Problem Solvers Caucus, which is Co-Chaired by Congressmen Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) and Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), has sixty-two Members evenly split between Republicans and Democrats.