Several governors have signed healthcare workforce bills into law in 2026.
They come at a time when hospitals and health systems are facing several challenges in 2026, including shortages in key clinical roles, persistent workplace violence and barriers to talent pipelines.
Here are four states that have passed healthcare workforce bills between January and April:
1. Maine Gov. Janet Mills signed LD 2088 into law April 3. The legislation expands physician associates’ scope of practice by removing restrictions that prevent them from providing patient care without a physician present, according to a Feb. 5 news release from Maine House Democrats.
2. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox signed HB 380 into law March 18. The legislation requires hospitals to track and report instances of workplace violence and extends the repeal date for criminal enhancements for certain crimes against an employee of a healthcare facility. The law takes effect May 6. By Nov. 1, all hospitals must establish a workplace violence incident reporting system, analyze the data and report it quarterly to the chief medical officer and chief nursing officer.
3. New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed multiple bills focused on the healthcare workforce in February, including SB 1, the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, which allows physicians licensed in other compact states to practice in New Mexico more easily. She also signed HB 50, which streamlines the licensure process for social workers, according to a Feb. 5 news release from the governor’s office.
4. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed legislation Jan. 20 aimed at stabilizing the healthcare workforce by expanding eligibility for loan forgiveness. The bill, S 780/A 2801, expands participation in the Health Care Professional Loan Redemption Program to include physiatrists and other healthcare professionals, according to a Jan. 20 news release from New Jersey Senate Republicans. The law also increases the maximum loan redemption amount for borrowers.
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