U.S. Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick, Susie Lee, Dave Joyce and Tom O’Halleran introduced the Improving Access to Health Care in Rural and Underserved Areas Act, bipartisan legislation that would provide additional support for primary care providers in rural and underserved areas through accredited continuing medical education and clinical support.
“Far too often, Americans living in rural and underserved communities across the country are unable to access quality specialized care, and the nationwide shortage has only compounded this public health emergency,” said Fitzpatrick. “Our bipartisan legislation will ensure that primary care providers in rural and hard-to-reach areas are equipped with the training and resources required to provide comprehensive care by enhancing continuing medical education in areas reflective of their communities’ health needs.”
Over 83 million Americans live in federally designated Health Professional Shortage Areas. The bill provides additional support for primary care providers in rural and underserved areas through accredited continuing medical education and peer-to-peer clinical support. The bill would create a five-year pilot program that provides a funding opportunity for up to 100 Federally Qualified Health Centers and Rural Health Clinics to boost capacity in specific areas of medical need within their communities, enhancing skills in these areas and expanding access to care.
