Today, the Senate Labor HHS Appropriations Subcommittee released their draft FY 2020 appropriations bill which includes cap flexibility language.
The inclusion of the draft cap flexibility report language in the draft Senate report bodes well for final passage. Earlier this year, the House of Representatives passed its version of the Labor HHS Appropriations spending bill which also include Cap Flexibility language.
All eyes are on Congress negotiations are ongoing on a final FY 2020 appropriations deal.
FY 2020 Report Language (Senate Labor HHS Appropriations DRAFT Report- Pg. 157):[1] “Graduate Medical Education Program.—Given the growing physician workforce shortage, the Committee encourages CMS to extend the time described in section 413.79(e) of title 42, Code of Federal Regulations, for new residency programs before a FTE resident cap is applied as authorized in Public Law 105–33. Moreover, the Committee recommends CMS meet with physician stakeholders to better understand changes in population health in underserved areas and corresponding training adjustments taking place in new residency programs.”