More Doctors in Rural Areas: Extending the Conrad State 30 Program
This Act extends the Conrad State 30 program, which allows foreign physicians to work in medically underserved areas instead of returning to their home country. It introduces new employment contract requirements, including a ban on non-compete clauses, and establishes rules for increasing the number of visa waivers available to states. The goal is to provide incentives to physicians to practice in rural and medically underserved communities.
Key points
Program Extension and Expansion: The Act extends the program for 3 years and introduces a mechanism to increase state waiver allotments from 30 to 35 (and potentially more) if previous limits are largely utilized.
Contract Requirements: Employment agreements must specify maximum on-call hours, malpractice insurance details, and must not include non-compete provisions.
Protection upon Termination: Physicians may continue working for another employer in a shortage area if their employment was terminated due to extenuating circumstances (e.g., employer labor law violations).
Family Status: Spouses and children of exchange visitors (J-1 physicians) are not subject to the 2-year foreign residency requirement.
Expired
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