Rural Physician Workforce Production Act of 2022
12/29/2022, 6:18 PMSummary of Bill HR 8508
Bill 117 HR 8508, also known as the Rural Physician Workforce Production Act of 2022, aims to address the shortage of physicians in rural areas of the United States. The bill proposes several measures to increase the number of physicians practicing in rural communities.One key provision of the bill is the establishment of a scholarship program for medical students who commit to practicing in rural areas upon completion of their training. This program would provide financial assistance to students in exchange for a commitment to work in underserved rural areas for a specified period of time.
Additionally, the bill seeks to expand residency programs in rural areas by providing funding to hospitals and medical centers that are willing to host and train residents. By increasing the number of residency slots in rural areas, the bill aims to encourage more physicians to practice in these underserved communities. Furthermore, the bill includes provisions to improve telehealth services in rural areas, making it easier for patients to access medical care remotely. This is particularly important in rural areas where access to healthcare facilities may be limited. Overall, the Rural Physician Workforce Production Act of 2022 is a comprehensive piece of legislation aimed at addressing the shortage of physicians in rural areas. By providing financial incentives for medical students to practice in rural communities, expanding residency programs in rural areas, and improving telehealth services, the bill seeks to ensure that all Americans have access to quality healthcare, regardless of where they live.
Congressional Summary of HR 8508
Rural Physician Workforce Production Act of 2022
This bill allows certain hospitals to receive additional payment under Medicare for full-time equivalent residents who receive training in rural areas.
Specifically, hospitals, critical access hospitals, sole community hospitals, and rural emergency hospitals may elect to receive payment for time spent by a resident in a rural training location if the resident trains for at least eight weeks in the location and the hospital pays the salary and benefits of the resident during this time. Additionally, hospitals may receive payment for all time spent by residents in a residency program in which 50% of all training is in rural locations, regardless of where the training occurs or specialty.
Payments are based on the difference between the total amount of eligible payments (as determined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) and the amount of graduate medical education payments received (if applicable).
