H.R. 4731: Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025
Sponsor
Terri Sewell
Democrat · AL-7
Bill Progress
Latest Action · Jul 23, 2025
Referred to Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. for review
Why it matters
America faces a dangerous shortage of trained doctors—this bill aims to turn that tide.
The Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 would expand the number of federally-funded residency spots for new doctors—the first major bump in years. Hospitals compete for these positions, which are essential for training new physicians after medical school. Without more positions, the U.S. can't keep up with rising demand from an aging population and health deserts in rural and urban areas.
The bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to add new slots each year from 2026–2032, with hospitals applying for extra positions. Preference is likely for areas with the worst shortages—think rural hospitals and under-served cities—though the exact formula will follow regulations.
This is a rare bipartisan win, with over 100 cosponsors and backing from hospital groups and medical associations. Still, expanding residencies is costly, and it doesn't fix bottlenecks like medical school admissions or specialty shortages. The bill leaves exact funding levels open, teeing up funding fights down the line.
What does H.R. 4731 do?
Adds New Doctor Training Slots
Increases the number of government-funded residency positions available at hospitals across the U.S.
Phased Rollout
Spreads out new slots over several years, starting in 2026 and extending at least through 2032.
Hospital Application Process
Hospitals must apply to receive extra residency spots, with the government deciding who gets them.
Focus on Shortage Areas
Prioritizes hospitals serving areas with the most severe doctor shortages.
Ongoing Opportunities
Allows for more new slots in future years if available and needed.
Who benefits from H.R. 4731?
Medical School Graduates
More opportunities to get the required training needed to become fully licensed doctors.
Patients in Underserved Areas
Improved access to care in rural hospitals and inner-city clinics with more doctors on staff.
Hospitals with Staffing Shortages
These hospitals can train and hire more residents, easing workforce gaps.
Elderly and Chronically Ill
Better chance of finding timely care as more doctors join the workforce.
Who is affected by H.R. 4731?
Teaching Hospitals
Must navigate a competitive application to secure new residency positions.
Current Residents and Medical Staff
May see changes in workload, supervision needs, or hospital staffing structure.
Taxpayers
Will ultimately fund the expansion through increased Medicare spending.
Health Policy Leaders
Tasked with implementing complex distribution rules and oversight.
H.R. 4731 Common Questions
How many new Medicare-funded residency slots would this bill add each year?
The bill would make 2,000 additional residency positions available in each fiscal year from 2026 through 2032, with undistributed slots carried forward if needed, under the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (SEC. 2).
How many total residency positions could be added under the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025?
The target is 14,000 total positions over fiscal years 2026 through 2032, and HHS must keep distributing slots after 2032 until that total is reached, according to the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (SEC. 2).
When would hospitals be told they got new residency positions under HR 4731?
Hospitals must be notified by January 1 of the fiscal year of the increase, and the higher resident cap takes effect for cost reporting periods beginning on or after July 1, under HR 4731 Section 2.
Can residency slots roll over if HHS does not give them all out in a year?
Yes. If not all available positions are distributed in a fiscal year, the unused slots are added to the following fiscal year under the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (SEC. 2).
How many application rounds would HHS run for new residency slots under this bill?
HHS must run 7 separate application rounds—one for each fiscal year from 2026 through 2032—according to the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (SEC. 2).
Can hospitals already training above their Medicare resident cap get reserved residency slots?
Yes. One-third of the yearly additional positions are reserved only for hospitals already operating above their resident limit, under the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (SEC. 2).
What are the requirements for an over-cap hospital to qualify for reserved residency positions?
The hospital must exceed its resident limit by at least 10 positions and train at least 25% of its residents in primary care and general surgery, under HR 4731 Section 2.
Does the bill guarantee residency slots for rural hospitals and other priority groups?
Yes. HHS must give at least 10% of the nonreserved positions to each listed priority category, including certain rural hospitals, under the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (SEC. 2).
Based on H.R. 4731 bill text
HR4731 Legislative Journey
House: Committee Action
Jul 23, 2025
Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
About the Sponsor
Terri Sewell
Democrat, Alabama's 7th congressional district · 15 years in Congress
Committees: House Administration, Joint Committee on Printing, Ways and Means
View full profile →
Cosponsors (104)
This bill has 104 cosponsors: 95 Democrats, 9 Republicans. Cosponsors represent 34 states: Alabama, Arizona, California, and 31 more.
Brian Fitzpatrick
Republican · PA
Michael Lawler
Republican · NY
Donald Davis
Democrat · NC
Patrick Ryan
Democrat · NY
Ed Case
Democrat · HI
Frank Mrvan
Democrat · IN
Timothy Kennedy
Democrat · NY
Salud Carbajal
Democrat · CA
Maxine Dexter
Democrat · OR
Nicole Malliotakis
Republican · NY
Bennie Thompson
Democrat · MS
Kathy Castor
Democrat · FL
Cosponsor Coverage Map
Committee Sponsors
Energy and Commerce Committee
12 of 54 committee members cosponsored
Ways and Means Committee
11 of 45 committee members cosponsored
22 Democrats across these committees haven't cosponsored yet. Mobilize their constituents
H.R. 4731 Quick Facts
- Committee
- Energy and Commerce
- Chamber
- House
- Policy
- Health
- Introduced
- Jul 23, 2025
Referred to Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. for review
Jul 23, 2025
Constituent Resources
H.R. 4731 Bill Text
“To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for the distribution of additional residency positions, and for other purposes.”
Source: U.S. Government Publishing Office
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