Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

Geriatrics Workforce Improvement Act

Summary

The Geriatrics Workforce Improvement Act aims to reauthorize education and training programs related to geriatrics by amending the Public Health Service Act. Specifically, it allocates $48,245,000 annually from 2026 through 2030 for these programs. The bill was introduced in the Senate by Ms. Collins and Mr. Kaine and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Expected Effects

If enacted, the bill will ensure continued funding for geriatric education and training programs. This will likely lead to a larger and better-trained workforce specializing in geriatric care. The increased funding aims to improve the quality and accessibility of healthcare services for the elderly population.

Potential Benefits

  • Increased availability of geriatric healthcare professionals.
  • Improved quality of care for elderly individuals.
  • Support for education and training programs in geriatrics.
  • Potential for innovation in geriatric care practices.
  • Addresses the growing needs of an aging population.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Increased government spending, potentially impacting the federal budget.
  • Possible administrative overhead in managing the allocated funds.
  • The effectiveness of the programs depends on proper implementation and oversight.
  • Potential for funds to be misallocated or used inefficiently.
  • Limited scope, focusing solely on geriatrics and not addressing broader healthcare workforce issues.

Constitutional Alignment

The bill aligns with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it aims to improve healthcare for a specific segment of the population. Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to collect taxes and provide for the general welfare of the United States. The allocation of funds for geriatric education and training falls under this purview.

Impact Assessment: Things You Care About

This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).