Us Congress Senate Bill SB2650

Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 8/1/25
• Refer: 8/1/25

Caption

DOCTORS Act Directing Our Country’s Transfer of Residency Slots

Impact

The implementation of SB2650 could have significant implications for state health care systems and access to medical services. By ensuring that waivers are not wasted and are used more efficiently, the bill seeks to boost the number of healthcare providers in regions that have been historically neglected. This measure is particularly crucial as many communities across the country struggle with a shortage of qualified medical personnel. The bill's commitment to designating a portion of the redistributed waivers to support roles in facilities serving underserved communities emphasizes its focus on equitable healthcare access.

Summary

SB2650, known as the 'DOCTORS Act', aims to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act by reallocating unused waivers of the foreign residency requirement for J-visa holders. Specifically, this bill requires state agencies that have received such waivers to report any unused waivers annually, starting from September 30, 2026. The Secretary of State will then reallocate these unused waivers for better distribution among eligible state agencies in the following fiscal year. This initiative is intended to increase the supply of medical professionals in the United States, particularly in medically underserved areas.

Contention

While SB2650 proposes beneficial changes to immigration policies for healthcare professionals, it may encounter some contention. Critics could argue that the focus on reallocating waivers may unintentionally overlook the underlying issues affecting how these waivers are utilized initially. Concerns may arise regarding the administrative burden on state agencies to accurately report and manage waivers. Additionally, discussions around the adequacy of current waiver allocations and whether this approach sufficiently addresses the root causes of healthcare shortages in certain areas may also be points of debate.