Doctors at the Ready Act

2/5/2024, 2:30 PM
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
The Doctors at the Ready Act, also known as Bill 118 hr 3613, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to increase access to healthcare services by allowing doctors to provide care across state lines during national emergencies.

Under the Doctors at the Ready Act, licensed physicians would be able to practice medicine in any state during a declared national emergency, such as a natural disaster or public health crisis. This would help ensure that communities have access to medical professionals when they are needed most.

The bill also includes provisions to streamline the process for out-of-state doctors to provide telehealth services to patients in other states. This would help expand access to healthcare services, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Additionally, the Doctors at the Ready Act aims to improve coordination between federal, state, and local governments during emergencies to ensure that healthcare resources are deployed efficiently and effectively. Overall, the Doctors at the Ready Act is designed to enhance the nation's ability to respond to emergencies and ensure that individuals have access to the medical care they need when disaster strikes.
Congress
118

Number
HR - 3613

Introduced on
2023-05-23

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

5/23/2023

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
The Doctors at the Ready Act, also known as Bill 118 hr 3613, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to increase access to healthcare services by allowing doctors to provide care across state lines during national emergencies.

Under the Doctors at the Ready Act, licensed physicians would be able to practice medicine in any state during a declared national emergency, such as a natural disaster or public health crisis. This would help ensure that communities have access to medical professionals when they are needed most.

The bill also includes provisions to streamline the process for out-of-state doctors to provide telehealth services to patients in other states. This would help expand access to healthcare services, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Additionally, the Doctors at the Ready Act aims to improve coordination between federal, state, and local governments during emergencies to ensure that healthcare resources are deployed efficiently and effectively. Overall, the Doctors at the Ready Act is designed to enhance the nation's ability to respond to emergencies and ensure that individuals have access to the medical care they need when disaster strikes.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo amend title XXVIII of the Public Health Service Act to eliminate the sunset of authority to make certain appointments for National Disaster Medical System, and for other purposes.

Policy Areas
Health

Potential Impact
First responders and emergency personnel
Health personnel
Natural disasters

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Action5/26/2023
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.