Bacon Bill: Expanding Rural Surgery Access | Congress News

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WASHINGTON – A bipartisan group of lawmakers has introduced legislation aimed at addressing a critical gap in healthcare access: a shortage of general surgeons, particularly in rural communities. Teh ensuring Access to General Surgery Act of 2026 directs the Health Resources and Services administration (HRSA) to pinpoint areas where surgical care is most lacking, a move that could dramatically improve outcomes for patients in underserved regions.

Rural Surgery Shortage: A Growing Concern

The bill seeks to establish a framework for identifying and addressing disparities in access to general surgery across the country.

• A 2020 HRSA report revealed rural areas have only 69 percent of the general surgeons needed to meet patient demand.
• the Association of American Medical Colleges projects a nationwide shortage of 10,100 to 19,900 surgeons by 2036.
• The legislation directs HRSA to study access to general surgeons, considering factors like travel time and hospital capabilities.
• The bill requires a report to Congress within one year and ongoing public reporting of shortage area designations.

access to timely surgical care can be the difference between life and death, or a full recovery and long-term complications. unfortunately, where you live often dictates the quality and speed of care you receive. This new bill aims to change that,ensuring that a patient’s ZIP code doesn’t determine their access to essential surgical services.

The Scope of the Problem

Rural communities consistently struggle to attract and retain general surgeons. A 2020 report from HRSA found that these areas are significantly understaffed, with only 69 percent of the general surgeons needed to adequately serve the population. The situation is expected to worsen, as the Association of American Medical colleges projects a national shortage of between 10,100 and 19,900 surgeons by 2036.

What factors contribute to surgical shortages? Limited resources,professional isolation,and lower earning potential in rural areas frequently enough deter surgeons from practicing in these communities.

Legislative Response

The Ensuring Access to General Surgery Act tasks HRSA with a extensive study of how underserved populations access general surgeons. The agency will also evaluate whether current federal shortage designations accurately reflect the reality on the ground. The legislation mandates consultation with stakeholders, a report to Congress within one year of enactment, and ongoing public reporting of shortage area designations. The full text of the Ensuring Access to General Surgery Act is available Related