AHA-supported bill would create loan repayment program for preparedness workforce

Sens. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wisc., Susan Collins, R-Maine, Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., and Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska., today introduced the Bolstering Infectious Outbreak Preparedness Workforce Act, AHA-supported legislation that would authorize $50 million for a new student loan repayment program for infectious disease clinicians and bio-preparedness health care professionals. Under the legislation, physicians, clinical pharmacists, physician assistants, and advanced practice registered nurses and other qualified individuals may receive up to $50,000 in loan repayment for each year of service, up to a total of $150,000.

“The American Hospital Association thanks Senators Baldwin, Collins, Rosen and Murkowski for leading this important bipartisan effort to support the infectious disease and outbreak preparedness workforce, including those in America’s hospitals and health systems,” said AHA Executive Vice President Stacey Hughes. “This legislation will also help attract new workers to these critical professions, including by incentivizing them to practice in areas with workforce shortages and in communities dealing with sustained hardship. We look forward to working with the sponsors to move this bill forward.”