US Congressmen Raja Krishnamoorthi and Adam Smith have introduced two bills aimed at helping immigrant and internationally trained healthcare professionals overcome licensing and training barriers and enter the US healthcare workforce. The Immigrants in Nursing and Allied Health Act and the Internationally Trained Physicians Assistance Act were introduced on October 1 as lawmakers seek to address healthcare worker shortages and the underemployment of highly trained immigrants.

The Immigrants in Nursing and Allied Health Act would create grants for programmes that help immigrants obtain the training, licensing and certifications needed to work in healthcare. The legislation would also provide case-management support and expand eligibility for the National Health Service Corps to certain non-US-citizen immigrants. The bill covers professions including nursing, dental hygiene, dietetics, medical technology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, respiratory therapy and speech-language pathology.

The second proposal, the Internationally Trained Physicians Assistance Act, focuses on doctors who received their medical education outside the US. It would encourage states to establish temporary licensing programmes allowing internationally trained physicians to practise under supervision while completing the education, training and certification requirements for a US medical licence. The bill would also establish guaranteed medical residency slots for internationally trained physicians working in predominantly medically underserved communities.

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The proposed legislation would additionally provide grants to help internationally trained healthcare professionals meet costs associated with entering the US healthcare system. These expenses could include examination preparation, testing, professional certification, English-language classes and case management. Supporters argue that reducing such financial and administrative barriers could help qualified healthcare professionals put their existing education and experience to use.

The lawmakers cited both healthcare workforce shortages and the underemployment of highly educated immigrants as reasons for introducing the measures. According to figures cited by Smith's office, around 200,000 nurses would need to be hired each year to meet rising demand and replace retiring workers. The Association of American Medical Colleges has also projected a shortage of up to 48,000 primary care physicians by 2034, highlighting the potential need for additional healthcare workers.

Krishnamoorthi said qualified doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals should have an opportunity to use their training to care for patients, while Smith said licensing barriers were preventing trained professionals from using their expertise as patients faced longer waits for care. The bills have received support from several organisations, including World Education Services, Upwardly Global and the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project. However, the proposals would still need to pass through Congress before any of the changes could take effect.

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