Federal grants would support medical training for underserved communities

The federal health agency would award grants for medical student education. Only accredited public colleges and universities in states ranked in the highest quarter for projected primary care doctor shortages could qualify. Applicants must explain their plans and certify that they will use grants for the listed activities. Priority would go to eligible institutions in states with at least two Tribes or Tribal organizations that also have, or plan, a community partnership. Congress would need to provide funding.

Congress would authorize $75 million a year for the grant program. Each grant would provide at least $1 million per fiscal year. The authorization would allow Congress to provide money; it would not itself supply funding. When appropriate, recipients would have to contribute cash or other support from nonfederal sources, capped at 10 percent of their federal grant each year. Grants would last no more than five years.