Medical Professional Access Act
Summary
The Medical Professional Access Act aims to amend Title 41 of the United States Code to broaden license portability for healthcare professionals. This expansion would apply when these professionals are providing healthcare services under a federal government contract during a federally declared emergency. The bill seeks to ensure that healthcare providers can offer their services across state lines during crises without facing licensure barriers.
Expected Effects
The act would allow healthcare professionals to practice in any state, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory during a federally declared emergency, provided they have a contract with the federal government. This could lead to quicker and more efficient responses to public health crises and natural disasters. It also preempts state laws that restrict practice based on licensure.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to healthcare during emergencies.
- Streamlined deployment of medical personnel across state lines.
- Greater flexibility for the federal government in responding to crises.
- Potential reduction in healthcare costs during emergencies due to increased competition.
- Improved coordination of healthcare services during national emergencies.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for reduced quality of care if out-of-state professionals are unfamiliar with local standards.
- Concerns about accountability and oversight of healthcare professionals practicing outside their licensed state.
- Possible disruption of existing healthcare systems in affected areas.
- Risk of inconsistent application of standards of care.
- State rights concerns regarding professional licensing.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the US Constitution is complex. Congress has the power to regulate interstate commerce under Article I, Section 8, which could justify federal action affecting healthcare licensure across state lines. However, the Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, including professional licensing. The bill attempts to balance these competing interests by limiting the federal override to declared emergencies and federally contracted services.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).