IHS Provider Expansion Act

This legislation would create a new Office of Graduate Medical Education Programs inside the Indian Health Service. The office would build a pipeline of future health care workers by coordinating residencies, fellowships, and student rotations at IHS facilities. It would oversee current programs, help start new residency programs to support hiring and keeping staff, serve as a central hub for these programs, and work with colleges and universities.

An interagency working group with the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Labor, plus HRSA and CMS, would help set up the office, support its rollout, and plan for long‑term sustainability. This group must report to Congress every three months starting 120 days after the law takes effect, and it ends 10 years after enactment. The bill also authorizes at least $4 million for fiscal year 2027 and each year after, if funds are made available.

• Who is affected: Health care professionals, paraprofessionals, other health-related workers identified by the Secretary, and students training at Indian Health Service facilities.
• What changes: A central office to coordinate and grow residency, fellowship, and student rotation programs; stronger ties with academic institutions; and ongoing federal coordination and oversight through a working group.
• When: Quarterly reports begin 120 days after enactment; the working group ends after 10 years; funding is authorized starting in fiscal year 2027 and ongoing, subject to appropriations.