Call to Action: ACOI Endorses Physician Workforce Legislation
by ACOI
February 17, 2026
ACOI has endorsed the bipartisan Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S. 2439 / H.R. 4731), which would add 2,000 Medicare-supported graduate medical education (GME) slots annually over seven years, for a total of 14,000 new positions.
The legislation is being led by Representatives Terri Sewell (D-AL) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Susan Collins (R-ME).
ACOI members are encouraged to contact their members of Congress through the ACOI Action Center with a request to cosponsor the bill.
It a letter to the bill sponsors, ACOI called the escalating physician workforce shortage in the United States a “pressing public health issue” that should be addressed by Congress with a sense of urgency.
The bill dictates that a portion of new GME positions should be directed to certain hospitals, including those in rural or health professional shortage areas; those training physicians above their existing resident caps; hospitals in states with new medical schools, including osteopathic medical schools, or campuses; and hospitals affiliated with historically Black medical schools.