ACR Backs Legislation to Bring Specialists to Rural Areas

ACR^® and nearly 40 other medical organizations expressed support Oct. 2, of the Specialty Physicians Advancing Rural Care (SPARC) Act. (S. 1380/ H.R. 4681). This bipartisan legislation would establish a new loan repayment program to incentivize specialty physicians to practice in rural communities and expand access for the millions of Americans who lack ready access to specialists.

In a communication sent to bill cosponsors, Sens. Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Reps John Joyce (R-PA) and Deborah Ross (D-NC), medical groups highlighted the importance of this legislation as the demand for specialty care is growing, along with medical school debt.

The SPARC Act would authorize repayment of student loans for specialty medicine physicians and nonphysician specialty providers of up to $250,000 over six years in exchange for their service in rural communities experiencing shortages of specialty providers. This time period would encourage these professionals to live in these communities and provide stable access to care long-term.

ACR looks forward to working with Congress to advance and pass the SPARC Act.

For more information, contact Ashley Walton, ACR Government Affairs Director.