H.R.870 - Physicians for Underserved Areas Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 870, the "Physicians for Underserved Areas Act," aims to improve the redistribution of residency slots under the Medicare program when a hospital closes. The bill amends Section 1886(h)(4)(H)(vi) of the Social Security Act to prioritize the likelihood of utilizing and filling these positions within specific timeframes. This is intended to ensure that residency slots are effectively used to address physician shortages in underserved areas.
The bill modifies the criteria for redistributing residency slots, focusing on the ability of recipient institutions to quickly utilize and fill the positions. The changes prioritize institutions that can demonstrate a higher likelihood of utilizing the slots within two years and filling them within five years.
The effective date of the amendments applies to the redistribution of residency slots for hospitals closing on or after the date of the Act's enactment.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill will be a change in how Medicare-funded residency slots are redistributed when hospitals close. The changes will prioritize institutions that can demonstrate a higher likelihood of utilizing the slots quickly and filling them completely.
This could lead to a more efficient allocation of resources and a better distribution of physicians to areas with the greatest need. Ultimately, this aims to improve healthcare access in underserved communities.
Potential Benefits
- Improved Healthcare Access: By prioritizing the redistribution of residency slots to institutions likely to utilize them quickly, the bill aims to increase the number of physicians in underserved areas.
- Efficient Resource Allocation: The focus on utilization and filling positions within specific timeframes ensures that Medicare funds are used effectively.
- Supports Training Programs: The bill supports teaching hospitals and residency programs that are committed to addressing physician shortages.
- Addresses Physician Shortages: By targeting underserved areas, the bill helps to alleviate the shortage of healthcare professionals in these communities.
- Incentivizes Quick Action: The time-bound criteria incentivize institutions to promptly utilize the redistributed residency slots.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for Unintended Consequences: The prioritization criteria might inadvertently exclude some deserving institutions that may have longer-term plans for utilizing the slots.
- Administrative Burden: Implementing and monitoring the new criteria could create additional administrative burdens for the Department of Health and Human Services.
- Limited Scope: The bill only addresses residency slots affected by hospital closures, which may not be the most comprehensive approach to addressing physician shortages.
- Geographic Disparities: The focus on utilization may not fully address the unique challenges faced by rural or extremely remote underserved areas.
- Possible Gaming of the System: Institutions might be incentivized to overstate their ability to utilize the slots quickly to secure funding.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause, as it aims to improve healthcare access for underserved populations. The Constitution does not explicitly address healthcare, but the federal government's role in Medicare and the Social Security Act has been established through legislation and judicial review.
Congress's authority to enact this legislation stems from its power to regulate interstate commerce and provide for the general welfare. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Furthermore, the bill adheres to the principles of federalism by allowing states and local institutions to implement the redistribution of residency slots within the framework established by federal law.
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).