The DOC Act legislation addresses the primary care physician shortage. This legislation permanently extends funding for the Teaching Health Centers Graduate Medical Education (THCGME) program and expands the number of Teaching Health Center residency programs. The DOC Act will significantly improve access to health care for millions of Americans – particularly those living in rural and urban medically underserved communities. The DOC Act also ensures each state will have at least one Teaching Health Center and will grow the number of residents in training from 769 to more than 3,000 by the time the program is fully implemented.
The following is the statement of NACHC CEO and President Tom VanCoverden:
“NACHC applauds the leadership of Chairman Pallone and Chair Murray in their efforts to ensure long-term funding for the Teaching Health Center Program. Their commitment to permanently fund and expand the pipeline of physicians who practice in underserved communities will benefit Community Health Centers and the 30 million patients they serve. Addressing provider shortages in medically underserved and rural communities will ensure millions of Americans have access to physicians and other providers in the communities where they live, work and play.”
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