This bill seeks to address the critical shortage of medical laboratory professionals by expanding their inclusion in federal programs. It significantly amends the Public Health Service Act to integrate medical laboratory personnel and services into the National Health Service Corps (NHSC). Specifically, the legislation defines "medical laboratory personnel" and establishes "Medical Laboratory Health Professional Target Areas," enabling the assignment of these professionals to underserved communities. It also makes individuals with a degree in medical laboratory science eligible for the NHSC loan repayment program , incentivizing careers in this vital field. Additionally, the bill establishes a new Medical Laboratory Personnel Education Program , authorizing grants and contracts to eligible entities for developing and operating accredited medical laboratory professional education programs. These grants will also support faculty recruitment and training, prioritizing innovative teaching, diverse backgrounds, and cultural competency, with an initial authorized appropriation of $25,000,000.
Medical Laboratory Personnel Shortage Relief Act of 2024
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Health
Medical Laboratory Personnel Shortage Relief Act of 2025
USA119th CongressHR-5444| House
| Updated: 9/17/2025
This bill seeks to address the critical shortage of medical laboratory professionals by expanding their inclusion in federal programs. It significantly amends the Public Health Service Act to integrate medical laboratory personnel and services into the National Health Service Corps (NHSC). Specifically, the legislation defines "medical laboratory personnel" and establishes "Medical Laboratory Health Professional Target Areas," enabling the assignment of these professionals to underserved communities. It also makes individuals with a degree in medical laboratory science eligible for the NHSC loan repayment program , incentivizing careers in this vital field. Additionally, the bill establishes a new Medical Laboratory Personnel Education Program , authorizing grants and contracts to eligible entities for developing and operating accredited medical laboratory professional education programs. These grants will also support faculty recruitment and training, prioritizing innovative teaching, diverse backgrounds, and cultural competency, with an initial authorized appropriation of $25,000,000.