Trio of legislators wishes to allow international doctors to remain in the country, serve needy areas
Three U.S. Senators have come up with a plan to increase healthcare access in underserved areas while giving international doctors a way to remain in the United States long-term of permanently.
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) have reintroduced bipartisan legislation to boost the number of doctors able to work in rural America. The Conrad State 30 & Physician Access Act would allow international doctors to remain in the U.S. upon completing their residency under the condition that they practice in underserved areas, such as rural communities.
“It doesn’t make sense to force doctors that we educate and train right here in the U.S. to leave our country once their residency is over. Rural communities in Minnesota and across the country are short on doctors and they rely on the Conrad 30 program to fill the gaps,” said Senator Klobuchar.
“We must provide opportunities for American-trained and educated physicians to remain in the country and practice in areas where there is an unmet need for quality care,” said Senator Collins.
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.
SOURCE: Senate.gov
