Under an existing program, each state is given 30 waiver slots allowing nondomestic physicians who attended medical school in the U.S. to remain here on a three-year visa in exchange for their commitment to practicing medicine in a healthcare professional shortage area.
Iowa historically uses all 30 of its waiver slots every year. Ms. Ernst’s proposed act would allow Iowa, and other states facing shortages, to take unused slots from other states, according to an Aug. 11 press release.