More Doctors in Rural Areas: Easing Paths for US Physicians
This act aims to increase the number of doctors in sparsely populated and medically underserved areas of the United States. It facilitates the ability of foreign physicians to remain and work in the USA, potentially improving access to healthcare for residents in these regions. It also introduces new rules for employment contracts for these physicians, ensuring better protection.
Key points
The Conrad State 30 program, which allows foreign physicians to remain in the US after residency in exchange for working in underserved areas, will be extended.
Physicians who have already worked in healthcare shortage areas will have an easier path to obtaining permanent residency in the US.
New rules for physician employment contracts are introduced, including specifying maximum on-call hours, malpractice insurance, and prohibiting non-compete clauses.
The number of available slots in the Conrad State 30 program for individual states has been increased, allowing more physicians to be accepted.
It is easier for physicians to change workplaces if they encounter employer issues, allowing them to continue their service elsewhere without losing immigration status.
Spouses and children of J-1 physicians will not be subject to the two-year home country residency requirement after the program, making it easier for them to stay in the US.
Introduced
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