Senate committee advances bipartisan ID/HIV loan repayment bill

The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee voted July 22 to pass the bipartisan EMPOWER for Health Act, led by Sens. Jack Reed (D-RI) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), clearing the way for the bill to be considered by the full Senate. The bill would reauthorize several existing programs to support the health workforce, including the Bio-Preparedness Workforce Pilot Program which, once funded, will provide loan repayment to ID/HIV clinicians that work in health professional shortage areas, medically underserved communities, Ryan White-funded clinics and other federal facilities such as Veterans Affairs and community health centers. This program will provide a much-needed incentive to encourage individuals to pursue careers in ID and HIV.

IDSA and HIVMA are encouraged by the HELP Committee's action and urge Congress to swiftly reauthorize and fund this important program so that all Americans can access ID and HIV health care services.

About IDSA
The Infectious Diseases Society of America is a global community of 13,000 clinicians, scientists and public health experts working together to solve humanity's smallest and greatest challenges, from tiny microbes to global outbreaks. Rooted in science, committed to health equity and driven by curiosity, our compassionate and knowledgeable members safeguard the health of individuals, our communities and the world by advancing the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases. Visit idsociety.org to learn more.