Rep. Schneider Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Address Physician Shortage

WASHINGTON— U.S. Representatives Brad Schneider (IL-10) introduced bipartisan legislation to help increase the number of doctors available to work in medically-underserved communities.

The Conrad State 30 & Physician Access Act, would extend and expand 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 on J-1 educational visas 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.

According to estimates, the United States could face a shortage of as many as 120,000 physicians by 2030.

"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. Extending 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 like many throughout the Central Valley 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 proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act to fill this critical need for our underserved communities.”

This legislation extends authorization for the program for three years. In addition, the legislation makes improvements to the process for obtaining a visa, bolsters important workplace protections for recipients, 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. Further, the bill also allows the spouses of doctors to work in the United States.

The Conrad State 30 & Physician Access Act has been endorsed by the American Hospital Association, the American Medical Association, the Association of American Medical Colleges, and the National Rural Health Association.

A Senate version of the bill was introduced by Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN).

Full text of the legislation is available online.

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