On Monday the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 2781, the Educating Medical Professionals and Optimizing Workforce Efficiency and Readiness (EMPOWER) for Health Act of 2019 by voice vote. The bill, which reauthorizes Title VII HRSA health professions workforce programs including the Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program and Geriatric Academic Career Awards, also includes the Allied Health Workforce Diversity Act, which authorizes funding for a new grant program to increase educational opportunities in the professions of physical therapy, occupational therapy, audiology, and speech-language pathology.
Rep. Bobby L. Rush (D-IL), said, “I am pleased that the underlying bill includes my legislation: the Allied Health Workforce Diversity Act. The current lack of diversity in the Allied Health industry is shocking. Many patients of color, whether they are seeking physical therapy, occupational therapy, or similar forms of health care, are unable to be find a provider who is a person of color, and research has shown us that this lack of diversity leads to worse healthcare results for these patients…My amendment will only serve to strengthen the EMPOWER for Health Act by authorizing the necessary funding to diversify allied healthcare providers, ultimately leading to better outcomes for all patients.”
ASAHP is grateful towards the U.S. House of Representatives, including key leaders on this bill such as Rep. Frank Pallone, Rep. Greg Walden, Rep. Bobby L. Rush, Rep. Jan Schakowsky, Rep. Michael C. Burgess, M.D., and Rep. McMorris Rodgers. The EMPOWER for Health Act was introduced in May and passed the Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously in July. The Senate has yet to move forward with their Title VII reauthorization and Allied Health Workforce Diversity Act bills.
H.R. 2781 may be accessed here: https://docs.house.gov/billsthisweek/20191028/BILLS-116hr2781-SUS.pdf
A press release from Rep. Bobby L. Rush may be accessed here: https://rush.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rush-legislation-to-diversify-allied-healthcare-providers-passes-house-0
A press release from Rep. Jan Schakowsky may be accessed here: https://schakowsky.house.gov/press-releases/house-passes-schakowsky-burgess-empower-for-health-act/
A press release from Rep. Burgess, M.D., may be accessed here: https://burgess.house.gov/blog/?postid=402229
A press release from Rep. McMorris Rodgers may be accessed here: https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgerss-allied-health-workforce-diversity-act-passes-house/