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HR 1585

Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act

119th Congress Introduced by Don Bacon and 63 co-sponsors

HR 1585 reauthorizes the Conrad 30 program, allowing foreign medical graduates to serve in underserved U.S. areas, boosting healthcare access in rural and low-income communities.

Introduced in House
1
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 1585

Summary of HR 1585: Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act

Bill Information:
- Bill Number: HR 1585
- Title: Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act
- Status: Introduced in House
- Introduced: February 25, 2025
- Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

The Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act aims to address the shortage of healthcare providers in underserved areas of the United States. The bill seeks to reauthorize and enhance the Conrad 30 program, which allows foreign medical graduates to work in the U.S. in exchange for serving in medically underserved areas. This legislation is crucial for improving access to healthcare, particularly in rural and low-income communities.

Key Provisions

  1. Reauthorization of the Conrad 30 Program:

    • The bill extends the Conrad 30 program, which permits up to 30 international medical graduates per state to apply for a waiver of the two-year home residency requirement in exchange for practicing in underserved areas.

  2. Increased Flexibility:

    • The legislation proposes to increase the number of waivers available to states, allowing for greater flexibility in addressing local healthcare needs.

  3. Support for Rural Health:

    • It emphasizes the importance of placing healthcare providers in rural and underserved urban areas, ensuring that communities have access to necessary medical services.

  4. Streamlined Application Process:

    • The bill aims to simplify the application process for both states and foreign medical graduates, making it easier to navigate the requirements and expedite the placement of physicians.

  5. Collaboration with State Programs:

    • Encourages collaboration between state governments and healthcare organizations to identify areas of need and effectively deploy medical professionals.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Foreign Medical Graduates: The bill provides opportunities for international physicians to practice in the U.S. while fulfilling their residency requirements.
  • Underserved Communities: Residents in rural and low-income urban areas would benefit from increased access to healthcare services.
  • State Governments: States would gain more authority and resources to manage the placement of healthcare providers in areas with critical shortages.

Procedural Aspects

  • Legislative Actions:

    • The bill was introduced and referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary on February 25, 2025.

  • Sponsorship:

    • The bill has a broad range of bipartisan support, with numerous cosponsors from both parties, indicating a collective recognition of the importance of addressing healthcare access issues.

  • Related Bills:

    • HR 1585 has a companion bill, S 709, which is being considered in the Senate, suggesting a coordinated effort to advance this legislation through both chambers of Congress.

Conclusion

The Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act represents a significant step towards improving healthcare access in underserved areas of the U.S. By reauthorizing and enhancing the Conrad 30 program, the bill aims to attract and retain qualified medical professionals in regions that desperately need them, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes for vulnerable populations.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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