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EMPOWER for Health Act
INTRO MAR 17· LAST ACTION JUL 28
READING
13MIN
COSPONSORS
1
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 3 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
Voters should care about this bill because it directly impacts the availability and quality of healthcare services across the country. By reauthorizing and increasing funding for health workforce programs, it helps ensure that there are enough doctors, nurses, and other essential healthcare providers to meet the nation's needs, especially in areas facing shortages. If this bill doesn't pass, many of these crucial training programs could see their funding expire, potentially worsening existing healthcare workforce shortages and making it harder for people to access care.
The bill's specific focus on the pediatric workforce and underserved children is particularly important. It addresses the ongoing challenge of getting specialized medical care to children who might otherwise lack access, which is a critical public health issue. Continuing support for Area Health Education Centers also means ongoing efforts to bring healthcare professionals to rural and other underserved communities, helping to bridge gaps in care for millions of Americans. Essentially, this bill helps keep our healthcare system staffed and accessible.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Reauthorizes and increases funding for numerous health professions workforce programs under Title VII of the Public Health Service Act.
This ensures continued federal support for training and educating the healthcare workforce from 2026 through 2030, with higher investment in many areas.
PROVISION 02
Extends the authorization period for these programs for an additional five fiscal years, from 2026 through 2030.
This provides stability and long-term planning capability for institutions and students relying on these federal funds.
PROVISION 03
Amends the pediatric health care workforce program (Section 775) to clarify full-time service obligations and prioritize service to underserved children.
This aims to direct specialized pediatric care more effectively to children in areas with the greatest need.
PROVISION 04
Adjusts grant duration limits for Area Health Education Centers (Section 751).
This modifies how long these centers can receive federal support, potentially impacting their operational stability and long-term planning.
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Reported by Senator Cassidy with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
COMMITTEE
JUL 28
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 529.
CALENDARS
JUL 22
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Voters should care about this bill because it directly impacts the availability and quality of healthcare services across the country. By reauthorizing and increasing funding for health workforce programs, it helps ensure that there are enough doctors, nurses, and other essential healthcare providers to meet the nation's needs, especially in areas facing shortages. If this bill doesn't pass, many of these crucial training programs could see their funding expire, potentially worsening existing healthcare workforce shortages and making it harder for people to access care.
The bill's specific focus on the pediatric workforce and underserved children is particularly important. It addresses the ongoing challenge of getting specialized medical care to children who might otherwise lack access, which is a critical public health issue. Continuing support for Area Health Education Centers also means ongoing efforts to bring healthcare professionals to rural and other underserved communities, helping to bridge gaps in care for millions of Americans. Essentially, this bill helps keep our healthcare system staffed and accessible.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Reauthorizes and increases funding for numerous health professions workforce programs under Title VII of the Public Health Service Act.
This ensures continued federal support for training and educating the healthcare workforce from 2026 through 2030, with higher investment in many areas.
high
Extends the authorization period for these programs for an additional five fiscal years, from 2026 through 2030.
This provides stability and long-term planning capability for institutions and students relying on these federal funds.
med
Amends the pediatric health care workforce program (Section 775) to clarify full-time service obligations and prioritize service to underserved children.
This aims to direct specialized pediatric care more effectively to children in areas with the greatest need.
low
Adjusts grant duration limits for Area Health Education Centers (Section 751).
This modifies how long these centers can receive federal support, potentially impacting their operational stability and long-term planning.
A major federal law that authorizes various programs to improve public health, including those that support the training and distribution of healthcare professionals.
Reauthorization
The process by which Congress extends the legal authority for a federal program or agency to continue operating and receive funding for a specified period.
Fiscal year
A 12-month period that a government or company uses for accounting and budgeting. The U.S. federal government's fiscal year runs from October 1st to September 30th.
Underserved children
Children who lack adequate access to healthcare services due to factors like poverty, geographic isolation, or a shortage of healthcare professionals in their area.
Pediatric subspecialty
A specific area of advanced medical practice focused on children's health, such as pediatric cardiology, pediatric oncology, or child psychiatry.
Qualified health professional
An individual with the necessary education, training, and licenses to provide healthcare services in a specific field.
Area Health Education Centers (AHEC)
ACTION TIMELINE
7 EVENTS
JUL 28
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Reported by Senator Cassidy with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
COMMITTEE
JUL 28
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 529.
CALENDARS
JUL 22
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Pediatric Health Care Workforce Program (Section 775(c)(1)(A))
discretionary
2026 through 2030
$5,000,000
Pediatric Health Care Workforce Program (Section 775(c)(1)(B))
discretionary
2026 through 2030
A nationwide program that helps improve healthcare in underserved communities by recruiting, training, and retaining healthcare professionals in those areas.
Accrediting body
An organization that sets standards for and evaluates the quality of educational programs or professional training, ensuring they meet specific criteria.
