Conrad 30 Physician Workforce Optimization Act
A bill to increase by 5 the number of flex waivers available in each State for J-1 nonimmigrants and to establish a secondary physician match portal to assist alien physicians who are unable to find employment in their preferred State of residence to find employment in another State.
The Conrad 30 Physician Workforce Optimization Act, SB4637, proposes to increase the number of waivers available for J-1 nonimmigrant physicians by five in each state. These waivers, known as Conrad 30 waivers, allow foreign physicians to stay in the U.S. for longer periods in exchange for serving in medically underserved areas. This bill also aims to create a new online portal to help foreign doctors who can't find jobs in their preferred state to look for opportunities in other states. The bill is designed to address the shortage of physicians in underserved areas and to assist foreign doctors in finding suitable employment.
This bill would mainly affect foreign physicians participating in the J-1 visa program and seeking employment in the United States. By increasing the number of available waivers and providing a new job-matching tool, it would potentially help more doctors find positions in medically underserved areas, thereby improving healthcare access for underserved communities. Additionally, it could benefit state health departments by providing a more streamlined process for matching doctors with available positions.
As of May 21, 2026, the bill was introduced and read twice in the Senate. It has been referred to the Committee on the Judiciary for further consideration. This is the latest update on the bill's progress in the legislative process.
