The American Hospital Association has voiced its support for legislation that would allow states to receive more than 30 visa waivers for foreign physicians each year as part of the Conrad State 30 Program.
As it stands, foreign physicians admitted to the United States on a J-1 visa for graduate medical education are required by law to return to their home countries for two years before they are eligible to work as physicians in the United States.
The current Conrad State 30 Program lets state health departments request up to 30 J-1 visa waivers per year. The physicians who are waived from the eligibility requirements work in medically underserved areas or areas with a physician shortage.
The Conrad State 30 Program is set to expire July 1, 2012. This legislation would make it permanent and also expand the number of waivers in states where demand exceeds the current limit of 30 per year.
Illinois Bills Would Increase Physician Licensing Fees to Fund Regulatory Oversight Activities
New York Bill Would Create 15k More Medical Residencies
As it stands, foreign physicians admitted to the United States on a J-1 visa for graduate medical education are required by law to return to their home countries for two years before they are eligible to work as physicians in the United States.
The current Conrad State 30 Program lets state health departments request up to 30 J-1 visa waivers per year. The physicians who are waived from the eligibility requirements work in medically underserved areas or areas with a physician shortage.
The Conrad State 30 Program is set to expire July 1, 2012. This legislation would make it permanent and also expand the number of waivers in states where demand exceeds the current limit of 30 per year.
More Articles on Legislation Affecting Physicians:
House Energy and Commerce Committee OKs Repeal of IPABIllinois Bills Would Increase Physician Licensing Fees to Fund Regulatory Oversight Activities
New York Bill Would Create 15k More Medical Residencies