News

GNYHA-Supported Physician Workforce Bill to Address Substance Use Crisis Introduced

May 25, 2021

Representatives Brad Schneider (D-IL), David B. McKinley (R-WV), and Ann M. Kuster (D-NH) have introduced the Substance Use Disorder Workforce Act of 2021 (H.R. 3441).

The Substance Use Disorder Workforce Act of 2021 addresses the nation’s substance use crisis by funding 1,000 Medicare-reimbursed residency positions in teaching hospitals that have or are in the process of establishing approved residency programs in addiction medicine, addiction psychiatry, or pain medicine.

Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Susan Collins (R-ME) introduced the Opioid Workforce Act of 2021 (S. 1438)—the companion Senate bill, which shares the House bill’s intent and methodology to distribute residency positions—on April 28.

GNYHA strongly supports the Substance Use Disorder Workforce Act of 2021 and will work with Congress and our colleagues across the country to secure the bill’s passage. Please contact your representatives to urge them to cosponsor this legislation.