Welcome Back to the Health Care Workforce Act

The Welcome Back to the Health Care Workforce Act authorizes federal grants to help internationally educated health care professionals integrate into the U.S. workforce. These funds will be awarded to groups such as hospitals, universities, and government agencies that partner to provide career support, including licensing assistance, English language training, and mentoring programs. The legislation prioritizes projects that address workforce shortages in rural areas and communities with significant gaps in health care staffing. Recipients must use at least 20 percent of the grant money for system-wide improvements like employer education and career ladders, while the rest can support individual needs such as exam preparation and living expenses. The bill also requires grant recipients to submit annual reports on how many professionals they helped employ and retain.