AHA-supported bill targets rural shortage of health care professionals

Mar 25, 2021 - 03:31 PM
maternity-legislation-update

The AHA today voiced support for the Rural America Health Corps Act (S.924), legislation that would establish a Rural America Health Corps modeled on the National Health Service Corps to encourage health care professionals to serve in rural areas. 

The bill provides incentives for clinicians to practice in rural areas and authorizes a Rural Provider Loan Repayment Demonstration Program in which participants who agree to serve full-time for five years in a rural health professional shortage area would be eligible for $200,000 in loan repayments.     

“Health care workforce needs are particularly acute in rural areas,” AHA said in a letter of support for the bill, sponsored by Sens. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., Dick Durbin, D-Ill., Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, and Tina Smith, D-Minn. “Recruitment and retention of health care professionals is an ongoing challenge and expense for rural hospitals. … We thank you for your leadership on behalf of the nation’s health care workforce, and we look forward to working with you to enact this important legislation.”
 

Related News Articles

Headline
AHA comments to senators on proposed legislation to improve primary care payment 
The AHA July 15 commented to Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., and Bill Cassidy, R-La., responding to a request for information based on the Pay PCPs Act,…
Headline
House committee passes HHS appropriations bill for FY 2025 
The House Appropriations Committee July 10 voted 31-25 to approve legislation that would provide $185.8 billion in funding for the departments of Labor, Health…
Headline
AHA podcast shares ways to boost retention in rural health care 
Building and sustaining a strong and vibrant workforce is paramount for rural health care providers, but it is not easily achieved. In this conversation,…
Headline
AHA podcast discusses the benefits of joining an accountable care organization
Health care pressures are often magnified for rural caregivers, yet some are developing unique solutions for these turbulent times. Mary Mannix, CEO and…
Headline
House Energy and Commerce Committee moves SPEAK Act 
The House Energy and Commerce Committee June 12 passed AHA-supported legislation during a markup of bills that passed the Health Subcommittee in May. The…
Headline
Congress reintroduces Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act to streamline prior authorization under Medicare Advantage
The AHA praised House and Senate leaders in letters June 12 for reintroducing the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act, bipartisan legislation that…