WASHINGTON, DC – This week, U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Roy Blunt (R-MO) are introducing the Ensuring Children's Access to Specialty Care Act, bipartisan legislation that would expand the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program (NHSCLRP) to include physicians trained in pediatric subspecialties, such as child and adolescent psychiatrists.

“Every child with a physical, mental, or behavioral health condition should have access to the pediatric health services and specialists they need.  This bill would increase access to specialty care for children and improve mental health parity for kids served by the National Health Service Corps program,” said Senator Reed.  “Without adding any extra costs, it fixes a loophole and allows licensed pediatric subspecialists working in underserved areas to apply for student loan repayments through the NHSCLRP.”

Medical residents who specialize in pediatric medicine require additional training, often resulting in increased student loan debt.  The added financial burden, combined with a retiring pediatric subspecialty workforce, has led to a shortage of pediatric medical and surgical subspecialists, and child and adolescent psychiatrists.  As a result, families are experiencing longer wait times and travel distances for children who require specialized care, which can result in delayed diagnosis and treatment, and significantly poorer health outcomes. 

“Nearly one in five children suffers from a diagnosable behavioral health disorder, but more than three-quarters of them are not getting the help they need,” Senator Blunt said.  “As a result, they’re at significantly greater risk for dropping out of school or being expelled, ending up in the criminal justice system, or taking their own lives.  Every child deserves better, and this bill will help by expanding access to specialists to ensure more children get the treatment they need before it’s too late.”

The Ensuring Children's Access to Specialty Care Act will help address shortages and improve access by modifying the NHSCLRP to allow pediatric subspecialists working in underserved areas to apply for student loan repayments through the program.  Currently, these providers are effectively ineligible for the program because they are completing their fellowships during the two-year window in which they would otherwise be able to apply.

Congressman Chris Collins (R-TX) and Congressman Joe Courtney (D-CT) have introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.