U.S. Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL) on Tuesday cosponsored bipartisan legislation that would help address critical healthcare workforce shortages nationwide by eliminating a costly petition fee.
“Healthcare access starts with having enough doctors and medical professionals to serve our communities,” Rep. Salazar said. “As our nation faces a growing physician shortage, we must ensure that steep fees do not stand in the way of hospitals bringing in the medical talent American patients depend on.”
The H-1Bs for Physicians and the Healthcare Workforce Act, H.R. 7961, which she introduced alongside three colleagues, including U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-GA), would exempt healthcare professionals from the proposed $100,000 H-1B petition fee and prevent additional costs beyond those already established under federal law.
The U.S. healthcare system relies on the H-1B visa program to recruit physicians and medical professionals, particularly in underserved areas, according to the Health Resources and Services Administration, which says nearly 87 million Americans live in regions facing a shortage of healthcare providers.
“I’m proud to co-lead the H-1Bs for Physicians and the Healthcare Workforce Act, removing a financial barrier so providers can recruit the physicians they need and ensure families in Florida and across America receive the timely, high-quality healthcare they deserve,” said Rep. Salazar.
H.R. 7961 is supported by several healthcare organizations, including the American Association of Medical Colleges, the American Hospital Association, the American Medical Association, the Association for Advancing Physician and Provider Recruitment, the Greater New York Hospital Association, the Healthcare Association of New York State, and Physicians for American Healthcare Access.
“The $100,000 H1-B filing fee adds insult to injury to hospitals, especially in rural areas,” said Rep. Bishop. “The bipartisan legislation we are introducing, however, will ensure that all physicians and health professionals are exempted from this fee so that they can continue to serve without fear or financial hardship.”