WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao co-led the Health Care Workforce Innovation Act, legislation introduced by Congressman Andrew Garbarino (NY-02). This bill addresses healthcare workforce shortages in rural and underserved communities.

“Rising costs and persistent workforce shortages make it difficult for health centers to provide essential services in rural communities like the Central Valley,” said Congressman Valadao. “Investing in workforce development is critical to ensuring these communities have access to the healthcare professionals they need. I’m proud to support this bipartisan effort to strengthen the healthcare workforce by expanding local training opportunities to help recruit and retain the next generation of medical professionals who will serve our region.”

Background:

Rising costs and workforce shortages are affecting access to health care in rural and underserved areas. Shortages are most acute among medical assistants, dental hygienists, pharmacy technicians, community health workers, peer support specialists, and other providers who are essential to operating an efficient primary care team. High rates of turnover among these important professionals cost safety net providers thousands of dollars every year and limit providers’ ability to effectively serve their patients.

To boost retention, Community Health Centers and Rural Health Clinics are standing up innovative partnerships with local high schools, community colleges, and Area Health Education Centers to train the next generation of allied health professionals. Currently, there is no dedicated federal support for these innovative and effective partnerships, which limits their ability to scale up successful programs and provide more opportunities in local communities. This bill would expand these partnerships by supporting locally run apprenticeship programs, career laddering pathways, and preceptorship models to help young people and early career allied health professionals have a rewarding future in healthcare.

Read the full bill here.

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