Federal Funding of Training Programs in Children's Hospitals (S. 1557)

What is S. 1557?

(Updated April 5, 2017)

This bill was enacted on April 7, 2014

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 Senate bill reauthorizes the program to 2018; a similar House bill reauthorized to 2017.  Signed into law on 4/6/14. 

Argument in favor

Provides critical support for freestanding children’s hospitals to strengthen training opportunities and research capabilities for the future primary and specialty care workforce serving our nation’s children.

Argument opposed

The bill would authorize spending above and beyond current government deficit spending, effectively kicking the can down the road in regard to the national debt.

Impact

The bill would seem to be a positive for providing greater training to future pediatricians, in turn positively affecting children's health.

Cost of S. 1557

S. 1557 would authorize the appropriation of $300 million a year for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 for payments to children’s hospitals. CBO estimates that implementing the bill would cost about $1.4 billion over the 2014-2018 period, assuming the appropriation of the authorized amounts.

Additional Info