Rep. Ruiz Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen the Community Health Workforce

The Developing the Community Health Workforce Act aims to address growing staffing shortages at federally qualified health centers nationwide.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-25) and Representative Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) introduced the Developing the Community Health Workforce Act, bipartisan legislation to strengthen recruitment, training, and retention of the health workforce at federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and expand access to high-quality care in rural and underserved communities.

The legislation addresses a growing crisis: health care professional shortages are threatening access to care in communities that depend on federally qualified health centers as their primary point of care. In 2024, more than 32.4 million people relied on these health centers for care, including 1 in 8 children and more than 25.1 million uninsured, Medicaid, and Medicare patients. Of these patients, 90 percent live at or below 200 percent of the poverty line. Community health centers are a lifeline for rural and underserved communities.

“Community health centers are the backbone of health care in our communities. As a physician who has seen firsthand what happens when people cannot access care close to home, I know that a shortage of skilled, community-based providers is not just a workforce problem, it is a crisis that affects the health and well-being of entire communities. This bill makes strategic investments to grow a workforce that reflects and understands the communities it serves so that every person in California’s 25th Congressional District and across the country can get the care they need, when and where they need it.” said Congressman Ruiz.

“Community health centers are on the frontlines of care for millions of Americans, especially in underserved and rural areas. They are a success story and a vital part of what is working well in our healthcare system. This legislation strengthens the workforce pipeline, supports recruitment and retention, and ensures providers have the tools they need to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care. By investing in these proven models, we can improve health outcomes and build a more resilient health care system.” said Rep. Bilirakis, who serves as Co-Chairman of the Community Health Center Caucus in Congress and has led the charge for increased funding for FQHCs for several years.

Community health centers offer primary care, dental, and behavioral health services to patients regardless of their ability to pay. Studies show that the preventive services and care coordination provided by community health centers reduce overall health care costs and decrease reliance on emergency rooms. Despite their important role, many health centers face persistent staffing shortages that limit their ability to meet growing demand, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

This legislation was developed in close partnership with Advocates for Community Health and community health center leaders to address the critical workforce shortages threatening access to care in underserved communities. Drawing on frontline experience, the bill would strengthen recruitment and retention through increased loan repayment, build sustainable workforce pipelines, expand community health center–hospital Graduate Medical Education partnerships, and grow the behavioral health workforce.

Amanda Pears Kelly, Chief Executive Officer of Advocates for Community Health, said:“By investing in the development of the workforce, particularly from the very communities that rely on them, this bill helps create pathways for professional development and success, and ensures patients can continue to access high-quality, comprehensive care no matter where they live.”

The bill strengthens the community health workforce in the following ways, among other provisions:

• Improves recruitment and retention of FQHC staff through a Loan Repayment Program,
• Creates a community health center workforce pipeline program,
• Expands FQHC and hospital training partnerships, and
• Expands the behavioral health workforce available to treat FQHC patients.

The bill is supported by Advocates for Community Health, the National Association of Community Health Centers, and Health Center Partners of Southern California.

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