The American Hospital Association has expressed its support for a federal bill that would increase the number of Medicare-supported medical residency positions for the first time in 28 years.
The bipartisan Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act, introduced by Reps. Terri Sewell, D-Ala., and Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., would add 14,000 residency positions over seven years, with an annual increase of 2,00 slots per year between 2026 and 2032. The bill would also give $63.5 million in grants to rural hospitals seeking to launch residency programs.
The number of residency slots has been frozen since 1997, except for 1,200 slots created in 2021 and 2023.
“The AHA is firmly committed to ensuring hospitals’ staff and governance reflect the communities that they serve, and your bill would support our efforts,” Lisa Hrobsky, senior vice president of advocacy and political affairs at the AHA, said in a July 7 letter. “We are grateful for your strong leadership in introducing this crucial legislation. The AHA stands ready to work with you to ensure its enactment.”
