H.R.1201 - Doctors in our Borders Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1201, the "Doctors in our Borders Act," aims to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to increase the number of Conrad 30 waivers available to physicians. The bill proposes raising the limit of these waivers from 30 to 100. This change is intended to address physician shortages, particularly in underserved areas.
The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on February 11, 2025, and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. The primary effect of the bill, if enacted, would be to allow more foreign-trained physicians to practice in the United States under the Conrad 30 waiver program.
The Conrad 30 waiver program allows foreign medical graduates to remain in the U.S. after completing their residency if they agree to work in underserved areas for a specified period. By increasing the number of waivers, the bill seeks to improve healthcare access in these communities.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of H.R. 1201 would be an increase in the number of foreign-trained physicians practicing in the United States, specifically in underserved areas. This would be achieved by raising the cap on Conrad 30 waivers.
This increase could lead to improved healthcare access for populations in rural and underserved communities. It may also alleviate some of the strain on existing healthcare providers in those areas.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to healthcare in underserved areas.
- Potential reduction in healthcare costs due to increased competition and availability of physicians.
- Support for rural hospitals and clinics struggling to attract and retain physicians.
- Enhanced diversity within the medical profession.
- Potential for improved health outcomes in underserved communities.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential displacement of American-trained physicians in certain markets.
- Concerns about the quality of care provided by foreign-trained physicians (though the Conrad 30 program has safeguards).
- Possible strain on existing infrastructure in underserved areas (housing, schools, etc.) due to increased population.
- Risk of exploitation of foreign-trained physicians if not properly monitored.
- The increase in waivers may not be sufficient to address the overall physician shortage.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's broad goals of promoting the general welfare. While the Constitution does not explicitly address immigration quotas or healthcare access, Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to establish uniform rules of naturalization.
The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations. The regulation of immigration falls under the purview of the federal government.
However, the bill's impact on individual states and their healthcare systems could be debated in terms of federalism.
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).