S1044-119

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Physicians for Underserved Areas Act.

2. Improvements to the redistribution of residency slots under the Medicare program after a hospital closes Section 1886(h)(4)(H)(vi) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ww(h)(4)(H)(vi)) is amended— in subclause (II)— by striking item (cc) and redesignating item (dd) as item (cc); and in item (cc), as redesignated under subparagraph (A)— by striking Fourth and inserting Third; and by striking item (cc) and inserting item (bb); and in subclause (III), by striking likelihood of filling and all that follows and inserting the following: “likelihood of— starting to utilize the positions made available under this clause within 2 years; and filling the positions made available under this clause within 5 years. The amendments made by subsection (a) shall apply to the redistribution of residency slots with respect to hospitals that close on or after the date of enactment of this Act. (aa)starting to utilize the positions made available under this clause within 2 years; and(bb)filling the positions made available under this clause within 5 years..