Schmidt Backs Legislation to Address Healthcare Workforce Shortage

WASHINGTON, DC: Today, Congressman Derek Schmidt (KS-02) announced he has cosponsored the States Handling Access to Reciprocity for Employment (SHARE) Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to make it easier for qualified healthcare providers to work across state lines by streamlining states’ licensing processes.

Importantly, while this legislation aims to foster cooperation between states, it protects each state’s authority to determine whether a provider is eligible to practice in the state.

“The past few years put a strain on every American, particularly our healthcare workers,” Congressman Schmidt said. “It's imperative we continue to look for creative solutions to this problem that affects all Americans; removing barriers to our healthcare professionals’ ability to provide care across state lines is a good place to start. I’m proud to join my colleagues on this commonsense measure, which I hope will be swiftly passed and signed into law.”

The SHARE Act is supported by many national and state healthcare organizations, including the American Medical Association, Federation of State Medical Boards, and Kansas Association of Nurse Anesthetists.

BACKGROUND

The United States is facing a dire post-pandemic healthcare worker shortage. In Kansas alone, 29% of registered nurses and 23% of licensed practical nurses are planning to retire within the next five years, presenting a serious challenge for communities in the Second District and across the state.

Originally introduced by Congressmen Tracey Mann (KS-01) and Joe Neguse (CO-02), H.R. 2332, the SHARE Act, slashes red tape by authorizing the FBI to share criminal history record information between states for licensure purposes. The elimination of the time necessary for state-to-state checks would increase healthcare providers’ reach and improve underserved communities’ access to quality care.

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