Welcome Back to the Health Care Workforce Act

The "Welcome Back to the Health Care Workforce Act" authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a grant program aimed at supporting internationally educated health care professionals. These grants will be awarded to eligible entities to help integrate these skilled individuals into the U.S. health care workforce, addressing existing shortages. The Secretary must consult with the Secretaries of Labor and Education before awarding grants, and priority will be given to projects supporting professionals in communities with significant workforce gaps or in rural areas. Grant funds must be used for both system-level improvements and individual-level support . System-level projects may include establishing partner networks, developing peer support, educating employers, and creating career ladder opportunities. Individual-level support can cover assistance with licensing, English language courses, career counseling, credentialing evaluation, work-readiness training, and even supportive services like living expenses or transportation. Grantees can use up to 10 percent of funds for administration, but at least 20 percent must be dedicated to system-level projects. Eligible entities, defined as consortia of various organizations including hospitals, community-based nonprofits, and institutions of higher education, must submit detailed applications outlining their proposed projects and capacity. The bill requires grant recipients to submit annual reports to the Secretary of HHS, detailing participant numbers, employment outcomes, and other relevant data. The Secretary, in turn, must submit annual reports to Congress on the progress of these projects. Appropriations are authorized for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to carry out the provisions of this Act.