Bills · HR 1585
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 1585Immigration
Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act
INTRO FEB 25· LAST ACTION FEB 25
READING
16MIN
COSPONSORS
65
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it directly addresses the critical shortage of doctors in many rural and underserved areas across the United States. Without enough medical professionals, people in these communities often struggle to access basic healthcare, leading to poorer health outcomes. By making it easier for foreign doctors who trained here to stay and practice in these high-need locations, the bill helps ensure that more Americans, especially those in vulnerable communities, have access to the medical care they need.
If this bill becomes law, it means that the "Conrad State 30" program, which is crucial for placing doctors in underserved areas, will continue for several more years, and doctors who participate will have a clearer, more stable path to permanent residency and better job protections. If it doesn't pass, the program's future would be uncertain, potentially worsening doctor shortages in already struggling communities and making it harder for foreign physicians to serve those in need and build a life in the U.S. after their service.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Extends the Conrad State 30 program for three years past the bill's enactment date, and makes this extension effective retroactively to September 30, 2018.
This ensures the continuation of a crucial program that helps place foreign doctors in areas with physician shortages, providing continuous healthcare access.
PROVISION 02
Creates a clearer pathway for foreign physicians who have completed their service in underserved communities (and their families) to apply for permanent residency (a green card).
This provides certainty and stability for doctors fulfilling their commitments, encouraging them to serve in high-need areas and retain skilled professionals.
PROVISION 03
Allows foreign physicians on J-1 visas to change to any employment-authorized status without being subject to annual numerical caps (limits).
This provides greater flexibility and removes a significant barrier for qualified doctors to continue practicing in the U.S. where they are needed.
PROVISION 04
Requires employment contracts for these physicians to specify maximum on-call hours and details regarding medical malpractice liability protection.
This adds important employment protections for physicians working in underserved areas, addressing common concerns and making positions more attractive.
PROVISION 05
Provides a 6-month extension of nonimmigrant status for physicians if their state has reached its annual waiver limit, allowing them to seek a waiver in another state.
This offers a crucial safety net for doctors who might otherwise be forced to leave the U.S. despite their willingness to serve in high-need areas.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 65
R· California
YRS IN OFFICE
13
BILLS LED
36
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 28%
DEM 56 REP 9 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSFEB 25
Introduced in House
FEB 25
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 1585
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedFeb 25, 2025
Last actionFeb 25, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · JUDICIARY COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED FEB 25, 2025
House BillHR 1585Immigration
Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act
INTRODUCED FEB 25, 2025· LAST ACTION FEB 25, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
16 min
COSPONSORS
65
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
