Senate bill funds hands-on primary care training sites

What does this do?

This bill would set up a federal grant program to support community-based health centers where medical, nursing, and other health profession students get hands-on training. Eligible centers could use the money to pay supervisors, help students with housing or transportation, and bring in workers like community health workers or school nurses.

Who does it affect?

Community-based clinics and health organizations could apply for grants. Centers that already receive certain federal teaching health center grants would not be eligible. The program gives priority to centers in areas with health worker shortages and those that help people from disadvantaged backgrounds enter health professions.

Why does it matter?

Without enough supervised training sites, health profession students may have fewer places to gain hands-on experience. Areas that already lack enough health workers could see more or fewer trained providers depending on whether local organizations qualify and apply.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• $10M–$50M funding (2027–2029)
• Up to $1M/year per org, 5-year max
• Annual reports to Congress required