H.R. 5444In committeeHealth care
Bill targets medical lab worker shortage with new funding, loan aid
Data as of July 12, 2026
HR 5444 adds lab workers to federal health workforce programs and funds training grants to ease staffing shortages.45-second read · 5 questions answered below
Decoded
What does this do?
The bill adds "medical laboratory personnel," including phlebotomists, lab technicians, histotechnologists, and genetic counselors, to existing federal health workforce programs. It expands the National Health Service Corps so lab workers can get scholarships or loan repayment for working in underserved areas, and creates a new three-year grant program to fund training programs at hospitals, schools, and nonprofits.
Who does it affect?
The bill affects medical lab workers, students pursuing lab careers, training programs and hospitals, and communities facing shortages of lab testing services.
Why does it matter?
Expanding these programs could change staffing patterns and funding access for lab training programs, and affect how quickly underserved areas can fill lab testing gaps that impact disease diagnosis and treatment.
What does it cost, and who pays?
- $25 million authorized first year
- funding continues in later years
Where does it stand?
- Introduced
- House committee — You are here
- House vote
- Senate
- President's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the President.
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Official title
Medical Laboratory Personnel Shortage Relief Act of 2025
- Introduced:
- September 17, 2025
- Latest action:
- September 17, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
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