S.Amdt. 4610

The amendment, proposed by Mr. Wyden, intends to replace the existing matter of bill S. 1383 with a new act called the Health Workforce Innovation Act.

The purpose of this amendment is to create the Health Care Workforce Innovation Program. This program aims to support and develop new, community-driven ways to educate and train allied health professionals. The primary goal is to increase the number of these professionals working in rural areas and underserved communities.

To achieve this, the amendment adds the following to the Public Health Service Act:

• Eligibility: Grants or contracts can be awarded to entities such as Federally qualified health centers, certain consortia, certified rural health clinics, or accredited nonprofit post-secondary vocational programs that train allied health professionals for primary care.

• Use of Funds: Funding can be used for things like starting partnerships with high schools and colleges, creating apprenticeship and internship programs, and investing in training equipment. Funds cannot be used for construction costs or to replace existing funding.

• Priority and Requirements: The Secretary will prioritize applicants that increase the number of professionals from disadvantaged backgrounds or improve healthcare access in underserved communities. Programs must last at least 3 years, and grants cannot exceed $2,500,000 per period.

• Funding: The amendment authorizes the necessary funds for fiscal years 2027 through 2029.