Physicians for Underserved Areas Act

The Physicians for Underserved Areas Act (S 703) amends Medicare rules for redistributing residency slots when a hospital closes. It requires hospitals receiving these slots to demonstrate a likelihood of starting to use the positions within two years and filling them within five years. This change aims to ensure redistributed residency slots effectively address physician shortages in underserved areas by prioritizing timely utilization. The bill applies to Medicare-funded residency slots redistributed for hospitals closing on or after its enactment date.