AMA Shows Support for Legislation to Address Physician Shortage in Rural and Underserved Areas

March 16, 2023

On March 14, the AMA sent a letter to Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), expressing its support for S. 665, the “Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act,” legislation that would help address the shortage of physicians (notably in rural and underserved areas) and would play a role in promoting a more diverse physician workforce. 

The letter was sent in response to bipartisan legislation that has been reintroduced to build the healthcare workforce in rural and medically underserved areas. This legislation would allow international medical graduates (IMGs) to remain in the U.S. upon completing their residency under the condition that they practice in areas experiencing physician shortages. 

The Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act 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. The legislation also provides worker protections to prevent physicians from being mistreated.   

The letter notes that “in 2021, 25 percent of licensed U.S. physicians were IMGs, with the number of IMGs in active practice growing by nearly 18 percent since 2010. These non-U.S. citizen IMGs play a critical role in providing health care to many Americans, especially in areas of the country with higher rates of poverty and chronic disease.” 

The letter also points out how “resident physicians from other countries working in the U.S. 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 a green card.” If Congress enacts this legislation, the reauthorization of the Conrad 30 J-1 visa waiver program would play a role in protecting access to care for many patients, particularly for those located in medically underserved areas. 

While attending the AMA National Advocacy Conference February 13 to 15 in Washington, D.C., MMA leadership met with members of Minnesota’s Congressional delegation and urged their support of key federal legislation.  During these meetings, MMA leadership voiced their strong support for the Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act.   

The legislation is endorsed by the AMA, the American Hospital Association, the Federation of American Hospitals, the National Rural Health Association, the Niskanen Center, the American Academy of Neurology, and the Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans.