Kings County Times

Congressman David Valadao, representing California's 22nd district, has reintroduced the Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act. The legislation is backed by Representatives Brad Schneider from Illinois, Don Bacon from Nebraska, and Sylvia Garcia from Texas. This bipartisan effort aims to renew and amend the existing Conrad 30 program. The program allows foreign medical graduates in the U.S. to obtain visas after completing their residency if they commit to working in underserved areas for at least three years.

Congressman Valadao highlighted the ongoing healthcare challenges in his region: “Families in the Central Valley continue to struggle to receive healthcare due to a shortage of doctors.” He emphasized that programs like Conrad 30 are crucial for bringing skilled physicians to needy areas.

Representative Schneider noted the national implications of doctor shortages: “Anyone who has recently tried to schedule a health care visit or spent endless hours in an emergency room knows all too well that America needs more doctors." He stressed the importance of retaining foreign-trained physicians in the U.S. as a solution.

Rep. Bacon pointed out Nebraska's specific challenges: “Out of Nebraska’s 93 counties, 90 of them struggle with finding enough doctors and 30 of them also lack hospitals and infrastructure.” He supports the legislation as it helps bring trained physicians into such regions.

Representative Garcia added that many communities face similar struggles: “No family should have to struggle to find a doctor, but for too many communities—whether in rural Texas or underserved neighborhoods in Houston—that’s the reality.”

Bruce A. Scott, M.D., President of the American Medical Association, endorsed the act, stating it remains vital for maintaining access to healthcare providers in underserved areas.

The proposed bill seeks several changes: extending program authorization by three years, increasing state waiver limits gradually, improving contract transparency, offering immigration flexibility for families of participating doctors, and mandating annual reporting on waiver usage by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Since its inception in 1994 by former Senator Kent Conrad, over 15,000 physicians have been placed through this program across various states.