Adam Smith (D-WA)
Internationally Trained Physicians Assistance Act of 2026
A Democratic bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is known as the Internationally Trained Physicians Assistance Act of 2026. It aims to address the barriers that immigrants and refugees face when trying to enter the health care workforce. The bill allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to States to develop and build upon alternative pathways to medical licensure. These pathways enable eligible internationally trained physicians to practice patient care under supervision while they complete their licensing examinations. The legislation also exempts certain internationally trained resident physicians from hospital full-time equivalent resident caps if specific conditions are met. Additionally, it provides grants to States to help cover the costs of exams, career counseling, language classes, and test preparation for these physicians.
Yes· 3 of 17
- Scored +8
Would immigrants be better off under this?
The legislation directly targets barriers faced by immigrant and refugee physicians by providing grants for exam costs, language classes, and alternative licensure pathways.
- Scored +7
Does this make health care easier to get in general?
The legislation provides grants and alternative pathways that help internationally trained physicians practice patient care, improving access in underserved communities.
- Scored +6
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?
The bill explicitly encourages training programs in hospitals associated with rural areas and federally qualified health centers to alleviate rural physician shortages.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Section 101: This section allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to States for alternative pathways to licensure. This is positive because it helps internationally trained physicians contribute to patient care and addresses health workforce shortages in underserved communities.
-
Section 102: This section exempts certain internationally trained physicians from counting toward a hospital's full-time equivalent resident cap under specific training agreements. This is positive because it encourages hospitals serving medically underserved populations and rural areas to train these doctors without hitting staffing caps.
-
Section 201: This section allows the Secretary to award grants to States to provide direct assistance to eligible internationally trained physicians. This is positive because it helps cover the costs of the United States Medical Licensing Examination, test preparation courses, English classes, and career counseling while they pursue their licensure.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
Based on the provided text, there are no specific sections or provisions identified that create negative consequences or burdens for individuals or groups of people in the United States.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would immigrants be better off under this? — The legislation directly targets barriers faced by immigrant and refugee physicians by providing grants for exam costs, language classes, and alternative licensure pathways. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — The bill explicitly encourages training programs in hospitals associated with rural areas and federally qualified health centers to alleviate rural physician shortages. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The bill targets medically underserved communities, which often overlap with low-income populations, improving their access to medical care. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — Increasing the supply of active physicians helps meet the growing health care needs of older adults. Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together? — The inclusion of rural and underserved facilities in residency training helps expand healthcare availability for veterans living outside major urban centers. Would Asian Americans be better off under this? — Many international medical graduates come from Asian countries, and this bill assists them in entering the U.S. healthcare workforce. Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this? — As part of immigrant and minority communities, Hispanic individuals benefit from policies that integrate immigrant professionals and improve healthcare access. Would middle-income households be better off under this? — Improving overall access to medical professionals benefits middle-class families seeking timely health services.
- Healthcare
- Does this make health care easier to get in general? — The legislation provides grants and alternative pathways that help internationally trained physicians practice patient care, improving access in underserved communities. Does this help veterans get medical care? — Expanding the health care workforce can indirectly improve medical availability for veterans and rural populations.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this make it easier for immigrants already here to become citizens? — By assisting immigrants and refugees who are lawfully present or authorized to work, the bill supports their integration into the U.S. economy. Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — Helping internationally trained physicians overcome licensing barriers allows them to secure higher-paying employment matching their skills. Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated? — The bill supports immigrants and refugees, many of whom are people of color, by reducing barriers to entering their professional field.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill creates opportunities for internationally trained physicians to enter the health care workforce and practice under supervision. Is this likely to grow the economy? — By integrating skilled immigrant and refugee physicians into the workforce, the bill helps alleviate medical labor shortages and boosts productivity.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this invest in rural communities? — The legislation specifically encourages hospitals partnering with rural areas and Federally qualified health centers to train eligible physicians.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this leave more decisions to the states? — The bill awards grants to states to develop and implement their own state-led alternative pathways to medical licensure.
- 10/1/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Raja KrishnamoorthiDemocrat · Illinois