Rep. Bera Introduces Bill to Expand Access to General Surgery in Underserved Communities

WASHINGTON, D.C. -Today, Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06)introduced the Ensuring Access to General Surgery Act of 2026, bipartisan legislation to strengthen how the federal government identifies communities that lack access to general surgeons and to help expand access to care by establishing a framework for general surgery shortage areas. Rep. Bera was joined by Representatives Scott Peters (CA-50), Don Bacon (NE-02), and John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13) in introducing the legislation.

Rural communities face persistent workforce challenges when accessing general surgery care. A 2020 HRSA report foundthat rural areas have only 69 percent of the general surgeons needed to meet demand. The Association of American Medical Colleges projectsthat demand for surgeons will continue to outpace supply nationwide, resulting in a shortage of 10,100 to 19,900 surgeons by 2036.

As a member of the Rural Caucus, Rep. Bera is committed to ensuring rural and other underserved communities can access essential health care services, including surgical care.

"As a physician, I've seen how delays in care can turn treatable conditions into emergencies," said Rep. Bera. "When families can't access a general surgeon close to home, it can mean hours on the road, longer wait times, and worse outcomes. This bipartisan bill will help us better identify where the gaps are so we can strengthen access to timely surgical care and make sure your ZIP code doesn't determine whether you can get the care you need."

"Americans should receive quality health care, no matter where they live," said Rep. Peters."Unfortunately, many communities don't have access to general surgery, preventing many patients from getting the care they need. The first step toward improving access to general surgery is knowing where these underserved populations are. Then, we can work to expand access to care and lower costs for San Diegans and patients everywhere."

"I'm pleased to join Rep. Bera in introducing the Ensuring Access to General Surgery Act, which will direct HRSA to conduct a comprehensive, data-driven study of how we can better identify general surgery shortage areas," said Rep. Bacon."By examining factors from travel times to hospital capabilities, we can ensure federal resources are targeted where they're needed most to help families in rural Nebraska and communities nationwide."

"As a physician, I know firsthand how important it is for American patients to have access to the care they need, where they live. This is particularly relevant in rural areas such as Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District," said Rep. Joyce."Every American should have access to high-quality care, including general surgery, in their community. By investing in data to pinpoint geographical gaps in patient care, this legislation would address long-standing imbalances and adequately expand access for patients throughout the country."

"In light of growing evidence demonstrating a maldistribution of general surgeons, the American College of Surgeons believes that additional research is necessary to better understand where critical shortage areas exist," said Patricia L. Turner, MD, MBA, FACS, Executive Director and CEO of the American College of Surgeons."Determining where patients lack access to surgical services and designating a formal surgical shortage area will provide the Department of Health and Human Services with a valuable new tool for increasing access to the full spectrum of high-quality health care services. Incentivizing general surgeons to locate or remain in communities with workforce shortages is critical in guaranteeing all patients, regardless of geographic location, have access to quality surgical care. We thank Representatives Ami Bera, MD, John Joyce, MD, Scott Peters, and Don Bacon for their continued leadership on this important issue."

The Ensuring Access to General Surgery Act directs HRSA to study how underserved populations access general surgeons and evaluate whether existing federal shortage designations accurately reflect access to surgical care. The bill directs HRSA to evaluate a data-driven method to identify general surgery shortage areas, taking into account factors like travel time, wait times, health outcomes, and critical access hospitals with surgical capabilities but lacking a general surgeon. The legislation would ensure consultation with stakeholders, require a report to Congress within one year, and provide for ongoing public reporting and regular updates to shortage area designations.

Read the full text of the legislation here.