This bill, known as the "Ensuring Access to General Surgery Act of 2026," addresses the projected shortage and maldistribution of general surgeons nationwide, particularly highlighting the acute needs in rural areas. It mandates the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to conduct a comprehensive study on the designation of general surgery shortage areas. The study will evaluate whether current shortage designations accurately assess the adequacy of local general surgeons for underserved populations and explore alternative measures, such as those based on general surgeons practicing within hospital service areas. A key component of the study involves analyzing a specific methodology for designation, which includes developing surgery service areas, identifying actively practicing general surgeons, and calculating surgeon-to-population ratios. Furthermore, this methodology requires determining thresholds for optimal, adequate, shortage, and critical shortage levels of general surgeons. These thresholds must consider factors beyond just the current supply, such as wait times, health outcomes, ground transportation time to care, and patient experience. The Secretary is required to submit a report on the study's findings to Congress within one year and must consult with relevant stakeholders, including medical societies and patient organizations. Following the study, the Secretary may establish, through notice and comment rulemaking, a methodology to officially designate general surgery shortage areas. If established, the Secretary will then designate these areas, publish a descriptive list, and review and revise the designations annually, while also periodically publishing data comparing the availability and need for general surgery services.