The American College of Radiology® (ACR®) continues to balance many legislative priorities that must be addressed. Included in these priorities is U.S. Senate passage of the ACR-backed Resident Physician Shortage Act to add federally supported medical residency positions. Provisions of this legislation are included in House Resolution 5376, the Build Back Better Act, which already has passed the U.S. House of Representatives.
The language directly addresses the growing physician shortage highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which strained an already overburdened healthcare delivery system. Increasing the number of residency slots would help alleviate some of that burden while securing a robust physician workforce for the challenges ahead.
Please contact your senators today and urge them to support retention of the Resident Physician Shortage Act in H.R. 5376.
If you have questions or would like more information, contact Rebecca Spangler, ACR Government Affairs Director.