Us Congress House Bill HR1502

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/25/24
• Refer: 9/25/24

Caption

Expressing support for the designation of October 1, 2024, as "National Latino Physician Day".

Impact

The bill addresses a critical issue in the medical profession, where currently only 6% of physicians are Latino or Latina. This lack of representation contributes to poorer health outcomes for Latino patients, including increased rates of chronic illnesses and maternal mortality. By designating a specific day to honor Latino physicians, the bill seeks to amplify the call for action toward better representation, which is suggested to improve health outcomes for these communities. This initiative is timely, considering the projected growth of the Latino population in the United States, which is expected to reach over 128 million by 2050.

Summary

HR1502 expresses support for the designation of October 1, 2024, as 'National Latino Physician Day'. This resolution aims to highlight the importance of increasing the number of Latino and Latina physicians in the United States and to promote diversity within the medical field. The bill underscores the barriers faced by the Latino and Latina populations regarding medical care, such as poverty, limited facilities, and cultural and language obstacles. The resolution advocates for awareness about the benefits that Latino medical professionals can provide to the healthcare system, particularly as they relate to improving health outcomes in their communities.

Contention

While the resolution itself is non-binding and does not create legal obligations, it fosters dialogue about the roles of healthcare diversity and representation in addressing systemic disparities in healthcare. Some may argue that mere acknowledgment is insufficient without implementing policies aimed at increasing educational and professional opportunities for Latino individuals in the medical field. Critics could suggest that such declarations should be coupled with actionable measures to effectively impact healthcare access and quality for the Latino population.