Healthcare (Healthcare Workforce)

in committee · United States · House Feb 3, 2026

HR 7336: ALS Better Care Act

This bill would improve Medicare reimbursement for specific care services needed by people with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). It creates a new payment system for eight key services including specialized physician support, occupational therapy, speech pathology, physical therapy, dietary support, respiratory support, registered nurse support, and coordination of medical equipment. The bill sets a base payment of $800 for these services in 2027, with annual increases based on a specific formula. This directly affects ALS patients who would have better access to these services and the medical facilities that provide them.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates new Medicare payment system for ALS care services with guaranteed funding increases, directly expanding coverage and access for patients with a serious condition.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Medicare

Track

in committee · United States · House Feb 11, 2026

HR 7496: Health Investment Zones Act of 2026

The Health Investment Zones Act of 2026 establishes a program to designate areas with documented health disparities as "Health Investment Zones" to improve health outcomes and reduce inequities. To qualify, areas must meet specific criteria including low income (below 150% of the federal poverty line), high rates of certain health issues, or designation as a health professional shortage area. The bill provides tax incentives for employers hiring workers in these zones, grants to community organizations for health initiatives, student loan repayment for health care workers, and additional Medicare payments for services provided in designated zones. These zones would be designated for 10 years with requirements for sustainability plans and evaluation of health outcomes.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides tax incentives for employers in low-income health disparity zones, targeting tax relief for underserved communities per bill's criteria.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill designates health disparity zones with tax incentives/grants to improve outcomes and reduce inequities, directly advancing healthcare access in underserved areas per its summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Incentives Healthcare Workforce Medicare Tags Economic Development

Track

in committee · United States · Senate Dec 11, 2025

S 3435: FAAN Act

The FAAN Act (S 3435) provides $1 billion in federal grants to nursing schools in underserved areas to address nursing workforce shortages. It directly affects nursing schools located in medically underserved regions, rural communities, or areas with health professional shortages, prioritizing institutions serving underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, low-income students, and rural populations. Key provisions require grantees to expand enrollment (especially for underrepresented students), modernize facilities with technology like simulation labs, strengthen clinical partnerships, and hire diverse faculty. Schools must report annually on outcomes, including student demographics and program impacts, with a comprehensive report to Congress after five years. The bill aims to strengthen nursing education capacity and emergency response readiness through these targeted funding mechanisms.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides $1B federal grants to nursing schools in underserved areas, expanding enrollment for underrepresented students and rural populations in higher education.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProvides $1B federal grants to nursing schools in underserved areas to address workforce shortages, directly strengthening healthcare workforce development and access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health Healthcare Workforce

Track

in committee · United States · House Jun 27, 2025

HR 4231: Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2025

Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2025 This bill expands Medicare coverage of intensive behavioral therapy for obesity. Specifically, the bill allows coverage for therapy that is provided by (1) a physician who is not a primary care physician; or (2) other health care providers (e.g., physician assistants and nurse practitioners) and approved counseling programs, if provided upon a referral from, and in coordination with, a physician or primary care practitioner. Currently, such therapy is covered only if provided by a primary care practitioner. The bill also allows coverage under Medicare's prescription drug benefit of drugs used for the treatment of obesity or for weight loss management for individuals who are overweight.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands Medicare coverage for obesity behavioral therapy, increasing access to non-primary care providers and counseling programs per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Medicare Prescription Drugs

Track

in committee · United States · House May 14, 2025

HR 3415: Nurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety and Quality Care Act of 2025

This bill establishes minimum nurse-to-patient ratios for hospital units across the country, requiring hospitals to maintain specific staffing levels (such as 1:1 in trauma units, 2:1 in critical care units, and 3:1 in emergency rooms) to improve patient safety and quality of care. Hospitals must develop transparent staffing plans that account for patient acuity, involve direct care nurses in planning, and document actual staffing levels for each shift. The bill includes strong whistleblower protections for nurses who object to unsafe staffing levels and prohibits hospitals from retaliating against nurses who report violations. It requires hospitals to comply with these standards as a condition for receiving Medicare and Medicaid payments, with enforcement through audits and civil penalties of up to $50,000 for repeated violations. The bill also includes provisions to support nurse recruitment and retention through workforce initiatives and training programs.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates specific nurse-to-patient ratios to improve patient safety and quality of care, directly advancing healthcare delivery standards and patient protection.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentMandates nurse-to-patient ratios to reduce burnout and improve workplace safety, directly protecting nurses' working conditions and safety standards.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Hospitals Medicaid

Track

in committee · United States · House Feb 4, 2026

HR 7351: NURSE Visa Act of 2026

This bill would significantly increase the number of temporary visas for foreign nurses working in the U.S., raising the annual cap from 500 to 20,000. These visas would be specifically for nurses working in designated healthcare shortage areas, as determined by the Health Resources and Services Administration. It also requires healthcare facilities to have established provider-to-patient staffing ratio policies. The bill mandates that the Health and Human Services and State Departments issue implementing regulations within one year of enactment.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareIncreases nurse workforce in healthcare shortage areas, directly improving patient access and addressing staffing shortages per HR 7351's visa cap expansion and staffing ratio requirements.95% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill increases temporary nurse visas from 500 to 20,000, explicitly expanding immigration opportunities for healthcare workers in shortage areas.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce

Track

in committee · United States · House Mar 27, 2025

HR 1937: Veterans Homecare Choice Act of 2025

HR 1937, the Veterans Homecare Choice Act of 2025, expands the Veterans Community Care Program by allowing veterans to access home healthcare services through nurse registries. The bill specifically adds "nurse registry" to the definition of eligible providers, including registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants, home health aides, companions, and homemakers. It clarifies that a "nurse registry" is an entity that arranges contracts for these healthcare workers under state licensure requirements. This change directly affects veterans seeking community-based homecare services by broadening their available provider options within the program.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands veterans' access to home healthcare via nurse registries, adding eligible providers like RNs and home health aides, improving patient access.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExpands Veterans Community Care Program by adding nurse registries to eligible providers, increasing access to home healthcare services for veterans.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Medical Licensing Veteran Employment Veteran Healthcare Veteran Housing

Track

in committee · United States · House Dec 18, 2025

HR 6862: Protecting Health Care Workforce Pipelines Act

This bill extends the deadline for graduate and professional students in health care fields to avoid loan repayment requirements. It specifically affects students enrolled in health professions programs at qualifying institutions located within 100 miles of a health professional shortage area or medically underserved community. The key change delays the termination date for these students' loan limits from July 1, 2026, to July 1, 2030. This provides additional time for students to complete their education without immediate repayment obligations, aiming to support health care workforce development.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill extends loan repayment deadlines for health care graduate students, supporting higher education access by reducing financial barriers for students in health professions programs at qualifying institutions.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExtends loan repayment deadline for health care students in shortage areas, supporting workforce development and access to care in underserved communities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Financial Aid Healthcare Workforce

Track

in committee · United States · House Jul 25, 2025

HR 4773: ACO Assignment Improvement Act of 2025

HR 4773, the ACO Assignment Improvement Act of 2025, amends Medicare's Shared Savings Program rules to change how beneficiaries are assigned to Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs). It adds a new provision requiring ACOs to include primary care services provided by their professionals in beneficiary assignment calculations starting January 1, 2027. This directly affects Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in ACOs and the ACOs themselves, as it modifies the criteria used to determine which beneficiaries are counted toward an ACO's performance. The change aims to better align beneficiary assignments with primary care service delivery under the program.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires ACOs to include primary care services in Medicare beneficiary assignments, strengthening Shared Savings Program coordination and access to primary care services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Medicare Primary Care

Track

in committee · United States · Senate Jun 25, 2025

S 2167: Health Care for Energy Workers Act of 2025

This bill expands healthcare access for energy workers covered under the federal compensation program for occupational illnesses. It amends existing law to allow nurse practitioners and physician assistants (within their state-licensed scope and federal guidelines) to prescribe or order medical treatments, appliances, and supplies for eligible workers. The change directly affects energy workers receiving medical benefits under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act. It modifies the program’s authority to include these providers in prescribing decisions, aiming to streamline care without altering the program’s core eligibility or funding. The bill does not change who qualifies for benefits or the compensation amounts.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands healthcare access for energy workers by enabling NPs/PAs to prescribe within scope, directly improving patient access under federal program.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentExpands healthcare access for energy workers with occupational illnesses, strengthening benefits under federal compensation program.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce

Track