S. 4110: Educating Medical Professionals and Optimizing Workforce Efficiency and Readiness for Health Act
This bill, known as the "Educating Medical Professionals and Optimizing Workforce Efficiency and Readiness for Health Act" (or the "EMPOWER for Health Act"), aims to enhance health workforce programs by amending various sections of the Public Health Service Act. Below is a summary of its key provisions:
Reauthorization of Health Workforce Programs
The bill proposes to reauthorize and increase funding for health professions workforce programs, specifically from fiscal years 2026 to 2030. Key changes include:
- Increasing the funds allocated for specific programs from their current levels:
- From $23.7 million to $28.4 million annually for certain workforce development programs.
- From $51.5 million to $55.0 million for other health workforce initiatives.
- Changes in appropriations for additional programs, significantly increasing funds in certain areas.
- Extending the authorization for these programs until September 30, 2030.
Investment in Pediatric Health Workforce
The bill aims to invest in the pediatric healthcare workforce by restructuring certain eligibility requirements. Changes include:
- Defining qualified healthcare professionals and their obligations for service in underserved pediatric populations.
- Revising requirements for professionals in various pediatric specialties to better align with service demands in these areas.
- Clarifying full-time service obligations that these professionals must fulfill.
Area Health Education Centers
The legislation also includes provisions to enhance the capability of Area Health Education Centers (AHECs). The changes involve:
- Broadening educational requirements to encompass pre-collegiate settings to better prepare future health professionals.
- Adjusting the award cycles for AHEC programs to ensure funding and operational effectiveness.
Overall Objectives
The overall goal of the EMPOWER for Health Act is to strengthen the healthcare workforce, particularly in underserved areas, by providing additional funding, redefining service obligations, and enhancing educational training pathways for health professionals. It seeks to ensure that healthcare delivery meets the evolving needs of the community, especially among vulnerable populations.
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This is an AI-generated summary of the bill text. There may be mistakes.
Sponsors
2 bill sponsors
Actions
5 actions
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| Jul. 28, 2026 | Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Reported by Senator Cassidy with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report. |
| Jul. 28, 2026 | Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 529. |
| Jul. 22, 2026 | Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably. |
| Mar. 17, 2026 | Introduced in Senate |
| Mar. 17, 2026 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S1093) |
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