In the wake of health care reform, attention has turned to the need for health services that millions of retiring baby boomers will require. In addition, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act seeks to extend insurance coverage to more than 30 million uninsured, which will further increase demand on the nation’s health care providers. To help alleviate this challenge, Congress should pass the Family Health Care Accessibility Act to remove barriers discouraging health care professionals from volunteering at community health centers.

On April 15, the act was introduced by U.S. reps. Tim Murphy (R-Pa.) and Raymond Green (D-Texas) to furnish liability protection for volunteer professionals at community health centers. On May 25, companion legislation was proposed by sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Bob Casey (D-Pa.). Unfortunately this initiative has not yet made it out of congressional committee. In fact, this legislation has been presented in every session of Congress since 2007, but has failed to become law. While last year the House of Representatives passed the accessibility act with overwhelming bipartisan support, the bill was never voted on in the Senate. However, increasing demand for health services coupled with projected physician shortages should prompt congressional action to encourage volunteerism at health centers.

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