Federal Funding of Training Programs in Children's Hospitals (H.R. 297)

What is H.R. 297?

(Updated July 13, 2017)

Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize payments to children's hospitals for operating training programs that provide graduate medical education. Provides funding for approximately 55 eligible hospitals across 30 states. A November 2013 report to the House indicates that "freestanding children’s hospitals train over 40% of pediatricians, 43% of pediatric specialists, and most pediatric researchers". This House bill reauthorizes the program to 2017; a similar Senate bill reauthorizes to 2018.  

Argument in favor

Funds critical support for freestanding children’s hospitals to strengthen training opportunities for the future primary and specialty care workforce for our nation’s children, to enhance research capabilities, and to provide outpatient ambulatory care and inpatient critical care for vulnerable and underserved children

Argument opposed

The bill would authorize additional spending above and beyond current government deficit spending.

Impact

Impacts children's hospitals and the training of medical students.

Cost of H.R. 297

H.R. 297 would authorize the appropriation of $330 million a year for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2017 for payments to children’s hospitals. CBO estimates that implementing the bill would cost $45 million in 2013 and about $1.4 billion over the 2013-2018 period, assuming the appropriation of the authorized amounts.

Additional Info