Support Builds for Collins, Klobuchar Legislation to Grow Health Care Workforce in Rural Areas

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), and Joni Ernst (R-IA) announced that their bipartisan legislation to increase the number of doctors able to work in rural and medically underserved communities has gained significant momentum in the Senate. The Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act would allow international doctors to remain in the U.S. upon completing their residency under the condition that they practice in areas experiencing doctor shortages.

With support from Senators Angus King (I-ME), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Tina Smith (D-MN), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Rand Paul (R-KY), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Tom Carper (D-DE), John Boozman (R-AR), John Thune (R-SD), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Chris Coons (D-DE), and Roy Blunt (R-MO), the bill now has 23 co-sponsors in total.

“In order to address the severe shortage of doctors nationwide, it is simply common sense that we provide opportunities for American-trained and educated physicians to remain in our country and practice in areas where there is an unmet need for quality care,” said Senator Collins. “By expanding access to health care in our rural and underserved communities, this bipartisan bill would promote healthier lives and ensure that families across the country receive the health care they deserve.  I am encouraged by the growing support for our legislation, which will help alleviate the burden on overwhelmed health care workers.”

“Over the last 15 years, the Conrad 30 program has brought more than 15,000 physicians to underserved areas, filling a critical need for quality care in our rural communities – a need that has only increased as we continue to combat the coronavirus pandemic,” said Senator Klobuchar. “Our bill encourages doctors to use their talents and training in underserved communities, improving health care for families across the nation while retaining talent trained and educated here in the United States. I am proud to lead this much-needed legislation alongside a bipartisan group of my colleagues, and I look forward to it passing the Senate and being signed into law.”

Currently, doctors from other countries working in America on J-1 visas are required to return to their home country after their residency has ended for two years before they can apply for another visa or green card. The Conrad 30 program allows doctors to stay in the United States without having to return home if they agree to practice in an underserved area for three years. The “30” refers to the number of doctors per state that can participate in the program.

This legislation extends the Conrad 30 program for three years, improves the process for obtaining a visa, and allows for the program to be expanded beyond 30 slots if certain thresholds are met. A version of the bill was included as an amendment in the comprehensive immigration bill that passed the Senate in 2013. The program was most recently extended in December 2021 until February 18, 2022.

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