doctor shortage

Health

Alabama among top states for attracting out-of-state physicians through interstate compact

A new report revealed Alabama made significant progress, expanding patient access by attracting qualified out-of-state physicians through streamlined licensing.

July 30, 2025

Medical Association applauds Rep. Sewell’s bipartisan effort to address physician shortage

The Medical Association applauded a bipartisan bill introducing 14,000 new Medicare-supported medical residency slots, addressing a growing physician shortage.

June 20, 2025

Opinion

Don’t let Alabama’s rural healthcare collapse — act now

Healthcare in Alabama is in a fragile state. The resident physicians delayed today will be the providers missing from tomorrow’s clinics.

Dr. Kuntal Desai

June 18, 2025

Alabama launches new physician training program to address doctor shortage

Qualified applicants will receive a permit to practice medicine under an Alabama-licensed physician.

August 1, 2024

New law addressing Alabama’s doctor shortage takes effect Aug. 1

The bill accelerates processes for out-of-state and international physicians to begin practicing in the state.

Jacob Holmes

July 27, 2023

Sewell announces $10 million in funding for Alabama small rural hospitals

Forty hospitals in Alabama will be receiving funds under this provision.

Brandon Moseley

July 16, 2021

Sewell discusses growing doctor shortage

U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Selma, authored an article in “Modern Healthcare” on the growing doctor shortage and how it impacts Americans — particularly those living in rural areas. “On top of rising medical and prescription drug costs, many Americans must travel long distances to access quality medical care because too often rural areas struggle to … Continued

Brandon Moseley

September 24, 2019

Committee considers bill allowing optometrists to increase their scope of practice

Wednesday, the Alabama Senate Health Committee debated a bill that would allow optometrists to add minor surgical procedures to their scope of practice. Ophthalmologists, doctors with a medical degree who treat the eye as a specialty, oppose the legislation. Sen. Tom Whatley, R-Auburn, is the sponsor of Senate Bill 114. Whatley said that he has … Continued

Brandon Moseley

April 25, 2019

Sewell to meet with state legislators on healthcare

Congresswoman Terri Sewell, D-Selma will meet with state legislators and health care stakeholders in Montgomery Wednesday about making health care more affordable and innovative in Alabama. Sewell is hosting a bipartisan group of state legislators and health care stakeholders to discuss ways to shore up rural hospitals, improve health care affordability, access and quality and … Continued

Brandon Moseley

March 20, 2019

Nurse Practitioners Week is November 11-17

November 11-17, 2018 will be celebrated as Nurse Practitioners Week across the country. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey (R) signed a proclamation declaring National NP Week in the state of Alabama. There are 248,000 nurse practitioners in the United States. This distinguished group of health care professionals is being bolstered by an additional 23,000 NP students … Continued

Brandon Moseley

October 29, 2018