H.R.1153 - Rural Physician Workforce Production Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1153, the Rural Physician Workforce Production Act of 2025, aims to increase the number of physicians practicing in rural areas by amending Title XVIII of the Social Security Act. The bill introduces an elective rural sustainability per resident payment for hospitals that train medical residents in rural locations. This payment is designed to offset the costs of rural residency training and incentivize hospitals to expand or establish rural training programs.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely lead to an increase in the number of medical residency programs located in rural areas. This will improve access to healthcare services for rural populations. The Act also modifies existing regulations regarding direct and indirect medical education costs for critical access and sole community hospitals.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to healthcare in rural areas.
- Financial support for hospitals training residents in rural settings.
- Incentivizes the creation and expansion of rural residency programs.
- Addresses physician shortages in underserved communities.
- Promotes equitable distribution of healthcare resources across states.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased healthcare costs if budget neutrality is not effectively managed.
- Administrative complexity in determining and allocating the elective rural sustainability per resident payment amount.
- Possible unintended consequences related to the distribution of residents among specialties.
- Risk of fraud or abuse in claiming rural training locations.
- May not fully address all barriers to rural healthcare access, such as transportation and broadband access.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble). It promotes healthcare access, particularly in underserved rural areas. Congress has the power to tax and spend for the general welfare, as outlined in Article I, Section 8, Clause 1. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific individual rights or liberties protected by the Bill of Rights.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).