The newly introduced “Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2009" would, if passed, increase the number of Medicare-supported training positions for medical residents by 15 percent, or approximately 15,000 slots.
Sens. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), and Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) recently introduced the bill, which is backed by the Association of American Medical Colleges.
"Millions of Americans either live in health professional shortage areas or have no insurance, so it's important that healthcare reform expand coverage and improve access," said AAMC President and CEO Darrell G. Kirch, MD.
In 1997, the Balanced Budget Act froze the number of Medicare-supported resident training slots in hospitals at 1996 levels. The new legislation would redirect unused training slots and increase the cap by 15 percent to hospitals seeking to expand existing programs or establish new programs.
A majority of the new and redistributed training slots would be targeted for institutions that increase the number of residency positions in primary care and general surgery, as well as those that train physicians in non-hospital settings.
The Senate bill would also change existing rules so residents can be trained in non-hospital settings such as physician offices, community health centers and other ambulatory care sites. Finally, the legislation would allow communities to continue training residents, supported by Medicare, when teaching hospitals close.
"The AAMC has been pleased to work with Congress on this legislation that will help ensure an adequate supply of physicians and allow teaching hospitals to train them in the most appropriate settings," said Kirch.
The AAMC plans to work with its member medical schools and teaching hospitals to lobby for passage of the legislation.