Rep. Kennedy Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Address Health Care Workforce Shortage

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Mike Kennedy (UT-03), along with Congresswoman Julie Johnson (TX-32), introduced the bipartisan Fast Track Health Care Apprenticeships Act, which incentivizes innovative approaches to address the health care workforce shortage by streamlining apprenticeships and offering a pathway to good-paying jobs.

The Fast Track Health Care Apprenticeship Act amends the National Apprenticeship Act to streamline and update federal and state labor agencies' health care apprenticeship application process by:

• Requiring federal and state labor agencies to make determinations on health care apprenticeship applications within 45 days of receipt.
• Requiring that the Department of Labor digitize apprenticeship agreement forms, modernize the application process and enhance accessibility for applicants.

"Utah's hospitals, clinics, and families feel the strain of our national health care workforce shortage every day. As a family doctor, I know firsthand that strong patient care depends on having enough trained professionals," said Congressman Mike Kennedy . "Streamlining apprenticeship pathways is a practical, commonsense step that will help build our workforce and in communities across the country. I'm proud to work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to deliver real results for the American people."

"Our health care workforce is stretched to its limit, and families in Texas are feeling it in longer wait times, higher costs, and fewer options for care," said Congresswoman Julie Johnson. "The Fast Track Health Care Apprenticeships Act strengthens our workforce pipeline by making it easier and faster for aspiring health care professionals to get trained and step into good-paying, stable jobs. By streamlining this process and reducing barriers for employers, we can expand access to care in every community and help bring down costs for patients. This bipartisan, commonsense effort supports workers, supports providers, and ensures that every family can rely on a health care system that's accessible, affordable, and built to meet their needs."

The American Hospital Association projects a shortage of nearly 100,000 critical health care workers by 2028, underscoring the urgent need to strengthen the workforce pipeline. The Department of Labor's apprenticeship programs already serve a wide range of professions - from registered nurses and pharmacy technicians to medical and dental assistants, surgical technologists, paramedics, and behavioral health paraprofessionals.

By cutting red tape and expanding access to these programs, Congress can help employers train the next generation of health care professionals and bolster the resilience and long-term stability of our health care system.

Read the full text of the bill, here.