Congress Reintroduces Legislation Extending Workforce Program for Foreign-Born Doctors

Both chambers of Congress have reintroduced the Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act (S. 709/H.R. 1585) to reauthorize and expand the program that allows foreign-born medical graduates to practice medicine in rural and underserved areas.

According to a press release by the office of Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC), the legislation allows international doctors who have completed their residency training in the U.S. to remain in the country if they practice in areas experiencing physician shortages.

Generally, physicians from abroad working in the U.S. on J-1 visas must 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 U.S. without returning home if they agree to practice in an underserved area for three years. As explained in the press release, the “30” refers to the number of doctors per state that can participate in the program.

Furthermore, “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 while protecting small states’ slots. The bill also allows the spouses of doctors to work and provides worker protections to prevent the doctors from being mistreated. The legislation also allows physicians who serve in a Veterans Affairs (VA) facility or health professional shortage area for 5 years to get expedited consideration for a green card.”

“The Conrad 30 program continues to be a vital lifeline for rural and underserved communities facing physician shortages,” said Ram Alur, M.D., president of Physicians for American Healthcare Access, in a statement.