H.R.3890 - Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3890, the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025, aims to increase the number of residency positions, particularly in rural areas and underserved communities, by amending Title XVIII of the Social Security Act. The bill focuses on distributing additional residency positions to qualifying hospitals, with a specific allocation for hospitals already operating over their resident limit. It also mandates a study on strategies for increasing diversity in the health professional workforce and establishes rural residency planning and development programs.
Expected Effects
The bill would increase the number of resident physicians trained in the US, especially in primary care and general surgery, and in rural and underserved areas. This would be achieved through additional funding and the allocation of residency positions to qualifying hospitals. The Comptroller General would also conduct a study on strategies for increasing diversity in the health professional workforce, potentially leading to new policies and programs.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to healthcare, especially in rural and underserved areas.
- A larger and more diverse healthcare workforce.
- Support for hospitals training residents in primary care and general surgery.
- Financial support for establishing new rural residency programs.
- Improved healthcare outcomes due to increased availability of physicians.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased government spending on residency programs.
- Potential for uneven distribution of residency positions if application processes are not well-managed.
- Possible administrative burden on hospitals applying for and managing additional residency positions.
- The effectiveness of the diversity study depends on the implementation of its recommendations.
- The bill's success relies on the continued availability of funding and the Secretary's determinations.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble) by aiming to improve public health and healthcare access. Congress has the power to tax and spend for the general welfare (Article I, Section 8). The establishment of programs and allocation of funds for residency positions falls under this power. The study on diversity also aligns with the principle of equal protection, although the Constitution does not explicitly address healthcare workforce diversity.
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).