Congress Extends Conrad Visa Waiver Program

The House Saturday sent to the president H.R. 5571, legislation extending the Conrad J-1 program through March 6, 2009. The program allows state health departments to request J-1 visa waivers for up to 30 foreign physicians per year to work in federally designated health professions shortage areas or medically underserved areas. The bill originally passed the House in May, but was amended by the Senate to shorten the extension from five years to six months. In addition to extending the program, the bill doubles to 10 the number of physicians per state who may serve in facilities that are located outside medically underserved areas but which treat patients from those areas.

Source: AHA News