S 665 United States Senate · 118th Congress

Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act

This bill reauthorizes the Conrad State 30 program, which allows U.S. states to request waivers enabling foreign medical graduates (J-1 visa holders) to work in medically underserved areas without having to return to their home countries. It extends the program's expiration date, creates new mechanisms for physicians to maintain legal status after completing service requirements, and adds protections against non-compete clauses in employment contracts. The bill modifies requirements for foreign medical graduates to work in underserved areas, including clarifying the 3-year service requirement and establishing a process for states to recapture waiver slots when physicians move between states. It also requires annual reporting on program usage by state and includes provisions for academic medical centers to request waivers without geographic constraints. The bill directly affects foreign-trained physicians, U.S. states, and health care facilities in underserved areas.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2023
Committee Review
Floor Vote
President
Introduced Mar 6, 2023 Last action Mar 6, 2023