On July 26, Reps. Brad Schneider (D-Ill.), Don Bacon (R-Neb.), David Valadao (R-Calif.), and Sylvia Garcia (D-Texas) reintroduced the bipartisan Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act (H.R. 4942). The Senate companion bill (S. 665) was introduced on March 6 by Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.).
Both bills would reauthorize and expand the Conrad 30 J-1 visa waiver program by allowing the program to expand beyond 30 slots if certain nationwide thresholds are met and by creating three new Conrad 30 slots per state to be used by academic medical centers. The bill allows “dual intent” for J-1 visa physicians seeking graduate medical education and would establish new employment protections and a streamlined pathway to a green card for participants.
The AAMC endorsed the bill and expressed support in an Aug. 1 group letter with 48 other organizations. The letter noted the bill’s key role in addressing health workforce shortages in rural and underserved areas.