Summary of Conrad State 30 Programs
Prepared by Miller Mayer, LLP
(http://millermayer.com/)
Last updated: January 2009
Almost all foreign medical graduates in J-1 status are subject to a requirement that they return to their home country at the completion of the training program for two years. Satisfaction or waiver of this requirement is necessary before moving from J visa status to most any other visa status. Therefore, in most cases a return to the home country for two years or a waiver of this requirement is necessary before a foreign doctor can obtain employment in the United States. See our
Foreign Medical Graduate Fact Sheet.
J-1 waivers are sometimes available to foreign medical graduates who have an employment offer that is important to a state department of health, usually if the doctor is working in primary care in a medically underserved area in the state. This waiver option is called the State 30 Program, because it is limited to 30 foreign medical graduate waivers per state per year.
The following is a chart our law firm has compiled summarizing which states will sponsor foreign medical graduates for J-1 waivers, and under what conditions. Not all states participate in this program. We caution that states change their policies all the time and without warning. The following list is as current as the information provided by each state's web site, so it is best to check with us for the latest information.
A list of abbreviations is at the end of this document.
State: Alabama
Practice Areas: FP, IM, P, OB/GYN, PSY. Sub-specialty trained physicians accepted but primary care physicians receive priority. Of the 30 slots available each year, at least 15 will be available to primary care or psychiatric physicians, and up to 15 may be available for sub-specialty physicians if the slots are not requested for primary care or psychiatry.
Fellowship Training Allowed: Yes, J-1 physicians who have started or completed fellowship or subspecialty training may apply for a primary care waiver under the State 30 waiver program, but they must practice direct patient care at least 40 hours per week, exclusive of hospital rounds or inpatient care.
Notable Requirements: Waiver requests must be made through an Alabama licensed medical facility or physician willing to offer the applicant employment for at least 40 hours per week for a minimum of three year period. Primary care applications may be submitted between October 1 and September 30. Subspecialty applications may be submitted starting the first Monday of the first full week in January of each year. No more than two (2) sub-specialty applications may be submitted for the same employer in any given year.
Contact Information:
Cheri Reaves-Tillery
J-1 Program Administrator
Office of Primary Care & Rural Health
Alabama Department of Public Health
The RSA Tower
201 Monroe Street, Suite 1040
Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: 334-206-5441 or (800) 255-1992
Fax: 334-206-5434
State: Alaska
Practice Areas: Does not give primary care priority; all specialties and sub-specialties may apply.
Fellowship Training Allowed: Yes
Notable Requirements: Evidence by the medical facility that unsuccessful efforts were made to recruit an American physician for the position. Physician must sign a contract with the facility to practice for no less than 40 hours a week for three years.
Application Review Time and Process:
Contact Information:
Nancy Barros
Alaska Department of Health and Social Services
Health Planning and Systems Development
P.O. Box 110606
Juneau, AK 99801
Phone: 907-465-1491
State: Arizona
Practice Areas: FP, GP, P, OB/GYN, GIM, PSY (in mental health HPSAs). Program does not support waivers for J-1 physicians in research positions or practicing in long-term care facilities, chronic care facilities, or rehabilitation facilities.
Fellowship Training Allowed: Yes, up to 7 slots may be available to specialists, but primary care physicians or psychiatrists may fill at least 22 of the 30 available slots. Specialists have to show exceptional need for their specialty.
Application Review Time and Process: Applications accepted starting October 1 and postmarked on or before November 29, 2008.
Contact Information:
Tanja James
Office of Health Systems Development
Division of Public Health Services
Arizona Department of Health Services
1740 W Adams Street, Room 410
Phoenix, AZ 85007-2670
Phone: 602-542-1208
Fax: 602-542-2011
State: Arkansas
Practice Areas: FP, GIM, P, OB/GYN, PSY.
Fellowship Training Allowed: Yes, no distinction between primary care and specialties.
Application Review Time and Process: Applicant packets will be reviewed/selected on a first come, first serve basis including flex slots. After 30 applications have been submitted to the DOS, the program will be closed until the following year.
Contact Information:
Mary H. Fuller, Program Manager
Utilization Review Certification
J-1 Waivers ~ Perfusionist Licensure
Child Health Management Services
Arkansas Department of Health
5800 West 10th Street, Suite 400
Little Rock, AR 72204-1704
Phone: 501.661.2771
Fax: 501.661.2165
State: California
Practice Areas: IM, FM, Pediatrician, OB/GYN, Psychiatrist.
Fellowship Training Allowed: Yes, CA will accept physicians with fellowship training only if they will commit by contract to 3 years of primary care, 40 hours a week in a HPSA or MUA location. MD may work additional hours and in non-HPSA/MUA locations once that 40 hours/week of primary care is fulfilled in the underserved location. (travel is not included in the 40 hours/week).
Application Review Time and Process: Applications will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis starting Oct. 1 and ending Sept. 30. 21 openings are available for primary care physicians this year. By January 2009, CA will post on their J-1 website new guidelines for accepting specialists into the J-1 program if not all 30 J-1 positions are filled with primary care physicians
Contact Information:
Candi McCarthy Zizek, MPH, REHS
Department of Health Care Services
Primary & Rural Health Division
1501 Capitol Avenue, Ste 71.6044, MS 8500
PO Box 997413
Sacramento, CA 95899-7413
Main: 916-449-5770
Direct: 916-449-5745
Fax: 916-449-5777
Email: Candi.Zizek@dhcs.ca.gov
State: Colorado
Practice Areas: FP, GIM, P, OB/GYN, PSY.
Fellowship Training Allowed: Yes, specialty placements will be accepted for consideration based on community need. About 80% of the slots go for primary care.
Application Review Time and Process: Reviewed in order received until all 30 slots have been filled. Applications typically reviewed in 30 days or less.
Contact Information:
Steve Holloway
Colorado Dept. of Public Health & Environment Primary Care Office
PSD-A4 4300 Cherry Creek Drive
South Denver, CO 80246-1530
Phone: 303-692-2470 or 303-692-2582
Fax: 303-758-3448
E-mail: Steve.Holloway@state.co.us
State: Connecticut
Practice Areas: Does not define primary care.
Fellowship Training Allowed: Yes, will consider all medical specialties and subspecialties based on need.
Notable Requirements: Fill out state form DPH-1
Application Review Time and Process: Applications will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis starting Oct. 1
Contact Information:
Stephen Carragher
410 Capitol Avenue, MS #12APP
PO Box 340308
Hartford, CT 06134
Phone: 860-509-7590
Fax: 860-509-8457
State: Delaware
Practice Areas: FP, GIM, P, OB/GYN
Fellowship Training Allowed: Yes, fellowship experience permitted with documentation of need for the subspecialty in the service area.
Notable Requirements: Site must be pre-approved. $200 Site Application fee, pre-approved sites must also pay a non-refundable waiver processing fee. Site applications must be submitted by June 30. Applications submitted after this time must show “emergent need.” $250 Waiver Processing fee. Applications accepted starting October 1.
Application Review Time and Process: Rolling application period, decisions usually made by early spring.
Contact Information:
Joan Barnwell.
Bureau of Health Planning and Resources Management
Delaware Division of Public Health
Jesse Cooper State Office Building
417 Federal Street
Dover, DE 19901 SLC: D320A
(302) 744-4555 phone
(302) 739-3313 fax
State: District of Columbia
Practice Areas: GIM, OB/GYN, FM, P, PSY (in mental health HPSAs).
Fellowship Training Allowed: Yes, 5 slots will be held for physician specialists each year; must specialize in heart disease, cancer, cerebrovascular disease, HIV/AIDS, or anesthesiology.
Notable Requirements: Applicant must demonstrate cultural competence of the racial and ethnic populations served by the proposed employer’s facility; employer must provide two reports per year to the Primary Care Office until the three-year commitment is complete.
Application Review Time and Process: Deadline is first Monday in December; decisions will be made by February 15. Will accept applications after deadline, but no guarantees of slot.
Contact Information:
Katina R. Green
Department of Health, Primary Care Office
825 North Capitol Street, N.E., 3rd Floor
Washington, DC 20002
Phone: 202-442-9168
Fax: 202-442-4824
State: Florida
Practice Areas: FP, P, ED, IM, OB/GYN, and PSY (specialists allowed for 5 slots)
Fellowship Training Allowed: Yes, fellowships permitted, however, physicians must serve their 3-year commitment providing 100% primary care or a 50/50 split of 20 hours per week primary care and 20 hours of specialist care. 5 of the 30 slots are set aside for full-time specialists only. At least 50% of contracted hours must be in clinical primary care; the remainder may be in specialized care.
Notable Requirements: Priority points are given to safety-net providers. For purposes of the program, safety-net providers are: county health departments, federally qualified health centers, community mental health centers, homeless clinics, and public hospital outpatient clinics. It is expected that within one year of the J-1 physician placement, the facility’s total patient visits should consist of at least 20% Medicaid and 10% discounted/sliding fee schedule; discounts must be offered to patients of all providers in the employing practice and not only to the patients of the J-1 physician.
Application Review Time and Process: Deadline is November 3, 2008 for the 08/09 cycle.
Contact Information:
Karen Lundberg, J-1 Coordinator
Department of Health
J-1 Visa Waiver Program
Office of Health Professional Recruitment
4052 Bald Cypress Way, C-15
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1735
Phone: 850-245-4444, ext. 2704
State: Georgia
Practice Areas: GIM, FP, P, OB/GYN, PSY (in mental health HPSAs).
Fellowship Training Allowed: Yes, 5 spots are reserved for physicians who completed a residency program or fellowship in any specialty; these physicians may practice their sub-specialty full-time. Additionally, 5 spots are reserved for physicians who completed a primary care residency (as defined above) and had fellowship training in any sub-specialty; these physicians must agree to practice part-time primary care and part-time in their sub-specialty. The remaining 20 spots are open only to physicians who completed a primary care residency; only fellowship training in geriatrics will be accepted under this category.
Notable Requirements: The contract must contain the following statement verbatim: “Inasmuch as the parties agree that the damages would be difficult to calculate if the physician willfully, voluntarily and without reasonable cause, terminates the agreement before the completion of at least a three-year term, the parties agree that such an act shall result in an obligation by the physician to pay Employer $250,000 as a liquidated damage clause.” Contracts cannot contain non-compete clauses, or any other covenants that restrain future competition. All physicians must be board eligible, and become board certified within one year of receiving their waiver. ARC waiver eligible counties are generally excluded from Georgia’s State 30 program.
Application Review Time and Process: Applications accepted starting October 1. It takes 6 to 8 weeks for complete application to be reviewed.
Contact Information:
Tina Orrick
Director, Primary Care Office
Georgia Department of Community Health
State Office of Rural Health
502 7th Street South
Cordele, GA 31015-1443
Telephone: 229-401-3094
Fax: 229-401-3077
Email: torrick@dch.ga.gov
State: Guam
Practice Areas: Does not define primary care.
Application Review Time and Process: Applicants sign a contract with a Guam-based clinic or physician, complete the initial State Department application process, and make a written request for a letter of support from the Department of Public Health and Social Services. There is no separate application.
Contact Information:
Cynthia Naval
Department of Public Health and Social Services
123 Chalan Kareta, Route 10
Mangilao, Guam 96913
Phone: 671-735-7307
Fax: (671) 734-5910
State: Hawaii
Practice Areas: GIM, FP, P, OB/GYN, PSY
Fellowship Training Allowed: Yes, up to 7 slots for full time specialists with documentation of necessity.
Notable Requirements: Flex Slots available with documentation of necessity.
Contact Information:
R. Scott Daniels
State Office of Rural Health
PO Box 1145
Honokaa, HI 96727
Phone: 808-775-8883
Fax: 808-775-8889
E-mail: scott.daniels@doh.hawaii.gov
State: Idaho
Practice Areas: FP, GIM, P, OB/GYN, PSY
Fellowship Training Allowed: No
Notable Requirements: $1000 non-refundable fee. The practice that hires the J-1 petitioning physician must implement a sliding fee scale.
Contact Information:
Laura Rowen, MPH
State Office of Rural Health and Primary Care
450 W. State Street, 4th Floor
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0036
Phone: 208-334-5993
Fax:208-332-7262
E-mail: rowenl@dhw.idaho.gov
State: Illinois
Practice Areas: FP, GIM, P, OB/GYN, combined medicine/pediatrics, PSY.
Fellowship Training Allowed: Yes.
Notable Requirements: Only 2 waivers per facility for first half of the year; semiannual documentation that at least 51% of the patients served by the IMG come from the underserved population; all facilities must gain site approval before submitting individual applications. If not in HPSA or MUA/P at least 51% of the FMG’s patients must be from one (using 5 Flex Slots). Number of waivers to a designated area is limited to the area still being underserved.
Application Review Time and Process: Rolling review; 50% reserved for urban facilities; 6 slots reserved for psychiatrists in rural areas, 12 primary care and 12 specialties until July, then open.
Contact Information:
Bronwyn Jones-Leach
Illinois Department of Public Health
Center for Rural Health
535 West Jefferson Street
Springfield, IL 62761-0001
Phone: 800-821-3635 or 217-782-1624
Fax: 217-782-2547
Internet: http://www.idph.state.il.us/about/rural_health/rural_home.htm
State: Indiana
Practice Areas: FP, P, OB/GYN, GIM, PSY
Fellowship Training Allowed: Yes, all specialties may apply, but first preference given to primary care physicians. Consideration for recommendation will be given to up to five (5) applicants who meet the criteria of not being in a designated area but who serve patients from a designated area.
Application Review Time and Process: Apply between October 1 and October 31. Notable Requirements: All materials must be postmarked on or before October 31. Be sure to write case number on each page submitted. If October deadline is not met, contact Natalie Brown after December 1. Prior to November 1, 2008 and not before October 1, 2008, send 3 copies of your application to:
Contact Information:
Natalie Brown
Shortage Designations and National Health Service Corps Program Director
Indiana Primary Health Care Association
1006 E. Washington Street, Suite 200
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Phone: (317) 630-0845
Fax: (317) 630-0849
State: Iowa
Practice Areas: FP, GP, GIM, OB/GYN, P, PSY (in mental health HPSAs).
Fellowship Training Allowed: Specialists or sub-specialists will fill 15 of the 30 Conrad slots available. The employer must demonstrate that the specialist services are essential to the medical needs of the underserved and report the percentage of Medicaid and Medicare patients.
Notable Requirements: Policy of Iowa Department of Public Health is to balance all available slots between rural and urban areas.
Application Review Time and Process: The review cycle begins on October 1.
Contact Information:
Doreen Chamberlin
Iowa Department of Public Health
Center for Rural Health and Primary Care
Lucas State Office Bldg., 5th Floor
Des Moines, IA 50319
Phone: 515-281-8517
Fax: 515-242-6384
State: Kansas
Practice Areas: GIM, FP, P, OB/GYN, Emergency Medicine, and PSY.
Fellowship Training Allowed: Yes, Primary care requests shall be given priority consideration with up to 50% of waiver requests available to non-primary care specialties from October 1 through December 30. Flex slots available.
Notable Requirements: Limit of 2 spots per facility until after January 1.
Application Review Time and Process: The review cycle begins on October 1. After 30 case numbers are assigned, the remaining cases will be assigned a priority number and carried over to the next fiscal year for processing.
State: Kentucky
Practice Areas: FP, GP, P, GIM, OB/GYN, PSY.
Fellowship Training Allowed: Yes, program will support physicians in other specialties when exceptional statewide or regional need for the specialty is demonstrated and not needed by primary care.
Notable Requirements: Primary care physician ratio can be no lower than 2000 to 1.
Application Review Time and Process: Must apply between 10/1 and 10/31 of fiscal year.
Contact Information:
Attn: Gary Williams
Kentucky Department for Public Health
Health Care Access Branch
275 East Main Street HS2GW-A
Frankfort, KY 40621
Phone: 502-564-8966 ext. 3740
Fax: 502-564-8389
State: Louisiana
Practice Areas: P, OB/GYN, GIM, FP, GP, PSY.
Fellowship Training Allowed: Yes. From October 1 through March 31, 20% of the available Conrad 30 slots will be open to specialists (six of thirty slots).
After April 1, all remaining spots may be open to all positions on a first come, first serve basis. Dire need must be proven for any specialist position
Notable Requirements: Must practice outpatient preventive and primary care medicine a minimum of 32 hours per week in not less than four days. Must have contract for a minimum of three years.
Application Review Time and Process: Starts accepting applications on October 1.
Contact Information:
Jeanne R. Haupt
Program Coordinator
Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals
Bureau of Primary Care and Rural Health
PO Box 3118
Baton Rouge, LA 70821-3118
State: Maine
Practice Areas: Does not distinguish between primary care and non-primary care applications.
Fellowship Training Allowed: Yes, physicians in all specialties and subspecialties are welcome to apply.
Notable Requirements: If HPSA is based on population group, FMG must specifically increase access for that group.
Application Review Time and Process: Each case is reviewed 30 days within receipt of application; rolling from 10/1 to 9/30. After all slots are assigned, remaining cases are carried over to the next fiscal year.
Contact Information:
Charles Dwyer
J-1 Visa Waiver Review
Office of Rural Health and Primary Health Care
Maine Department of Health and Human Services
#11 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333
Phone: 207-287-5503 or 5524
Fax: 207-624-5431
State: Maryland
Practice Areas: FP, GIM, P, PSY, and Geriatrics
Fellowship Training Allowed: Yes, but only considered after June 1.
Notable Requirements: Practice site must announce vacancy in all medical schools in state; site must have been in business for at least 6 months. 32 out of 40 hours must be in direct patient care. No absence may be longer than 2 months or more than 6 months cumulatively over the 3 years.
Application Review Time and Process: Applications, which are accepted throughout the year on a first come-first served basis, can be submitted on behalf of physicians with a J-1 Visa by the physician’s legal representative.
Contact Information:
Elizabeth Vaidya
J-1 Coordinator
Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
Primary Care Organization
Office of Health Policy and Planning
201 West Preston Street, 3rd Floor
Baltimore, Maryland 21201
Phone: 410-767-5695
Fax (410) 333-7106
Email: evaidya@dhmh.state.md.us
State: Massachusetts
Practice Areas: IM, FP, P, OB/GYN, PSY.
Fellowship Training Allowed: Yes, subspecialty practice permitted, although focus remains on primary care.
Notable Requirements: Preference given to physicians whose primary language is significantly represented in the proposed practice community; facility must participate in MassHealth. Using 5 Flex Slots.
Application Review Time and Process: Rolling review starting October 1. Applications accepted through January 15.
Contact Information:
Nicole Watson
Recruitment and Retention Program Coordinator
Massachusetts Department of Public Health
Primary Care Office
250 Washington Street, 5th Floor
Boston, MA 02108-4619
Phone: Direct dial for Nicole: Tel: (617) 624-6051
Fax: 617-624-6062
State: Michigan
Practice Areas: GIM, FP, OB/GYN, P, PSY, non primary care specialists willing to work in state facilities.
Fellowship Training Allowed: Yes, specialists may apply, but will not be selected if there are enough primary care physicians and psychiatrists to fill the 30 available slots.
Notable Requirements: To request an application, submit $100 with physician name, address, specialty, and residency graduation date (non-refundable). $1200 processing fee must be submitted with each application; it will be refunded if waiver is not recommended. An additional $200 non-refundable application fee must also be submitted. Michigan will make up to 5 non-HPSA placements if the following criteria are met (beyond federal requirements): a) there are not 30 applicants received from HPSA or MUA/MUP locations within the application window and/or b) there are extraordinary circumstances of need that justify the placement. Michigan will seek to select 16 urban and 14 rural waiver placements each year.
Application Review Time and Process: Applications will be accepted November 1, 2008 to November 30, 2008 for FY 2008-2009. All applications will be randomly assigned a lottery number and will be chosen by a set of predetermined criteria. Lottery numbers will continue to be assigned to all applicants in the event that competing primary care, psychiatrist, or specialist applications have identical HPSA scores and worksite priority criteria.
Contact Information:
Michele Lovaas
Michigan Health Council
2410 Woodlake Dr.
Okemos, MI 48864
Phone: 517-347-3336
Toll Free: 1-800-479-1666
Fax: 517-347-4096
Internet: http://www.mimom.org/hpsa.php?inc=j-1_visa_info
State: Minnesota
Practice Areas: Any specialty that can show an impact on access to primary care.
Fellowship Training Allowed: Yes, but additional comprehensive documentation required to show connection to primary care.
Notable Requirements: Facility must not facilitate FMG’s acquisition of LPR status until FMG has been there for 2 years. Flex 10 waivers are available for non-HPSA/MUA locations that can document that a significant portion of their annual patient caseload resides in a neighboring HPSA/MUA.
Contact Information:
Lorry Colaizy
Minnesota Department of Health
Office of Rural Health and Primary Care
Golden Rule Building
P.O. Box 64882
St. Paul, MN 55164
Phone: 651-201-3851 or 800-366-5424
Fax: 651-297-5808
Email: lawrence.colaizy@state.mn.us
State: Mississippi
Practice Areas: FP, GIM, GP, OB/GYN, PSY
Fellowship Training Allowed: Yes, but separate and unique guidelines for specialists.
Notable Requirements: Must submit site predetermination application before applications for individuals are made; $1,500 non-refundable fee waiver processing fee is required with application; recommended 4-year contract; must provide evidence of 6 months national and regional recruitment efforts, including print advertising and at least 4 certified letters to medical schools; must give priority to physicians other than J-1 physicians (such as H-1B) who apply to the waiver job and are qualified.
Contact Information:
Alvin Harrion
Office of Primary Care Liaison
Mississippi State Dept. of Health
P.O. Box 1700
570 East Woodrow Wilson
Jackson, MS 39215-1700
Phone: 601-576-7216
Status Inquiries: 202-633-1600
Fax: 601-364-2309
State: Missouri
Practice Areas: FP, GIM, P, OB/GYN, PSY.
Fellowship Training Allowed: Yes. The number of specialty placements in any given program year will be determined by the quantifiable need for health care services in the state as a whole and the identified placement community. Employer and physicians in the area must demonstrate that the specialty is essential to the medical needs of the underserved.
Notable Requirements: Three years of service are required. Additional requirements are outlined on the website.
Application Review Time and Process: Applications accepted July 1 through September 30.
Contact Information:
1) Marie Peoples, Unit Chief
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
Center for Health Improvement
920 Wildwood Drive
PO Box 570
Jefferson City, MO 65109
Phone: (573) 751-6219 or (800)-891-7415
Fax: (573) 522-8146
2) Joyce Elaine Alexander
HPR III
Office of Primary Care and Rural Health
Phone: (573) 751-6219 or (800) 891-7415
Fax: 573-522-8146
Email: joyce.alexander@dhss.mo.gov
State: Montana
Practice Areas: IM, FP, OB/GYN, P, PSY get preference
Fellowship Training Allowed: Yes. Flex Slots also available.
Contact Information:
John Schroeck
Department of Public Health and Human Services
Primary Care Office
P.O. Box 202951
Helena, MT 59620-2951
Phone: 406-444-3934
Fax: 406-444-7465
State: Nebraska
Fellowship Training Allowed: Yes. Nebraska will consider every applicant that a site can demonstrate is in the State’s interest.
Notable Requirements: 5 Flex Slots available.
Contact Information:
Thomas Rauner, PCO Director
Department of Health & Human Services
Office of Rural Health & Primary Care
301 Centennial Mall South
Lincoln, NE 68509-5026
Phone: 402-471-0148
Fax: 402-471-0180
E-mail: thomas.rauner@nebraska.gov
State: Nevada
Practice Areas: FP, GP, P, GIM, OB/GYN, PSY.
Fellowship Training Allowed: Yes, will consider physicians who have completed a fellowship in geriatrics for a waiver under this program. Physicians who have completed a fellowship in another specialty may apply to for a waiver to work as a primary care provider if they have completed a residency in one of the primary care categories named and will work 40 hours/week as a primary health care provider. Will consider specialists to provide their specialty services instead of primary care if they and the employer can demonstrate there is a critical need for those services in that geographic location.
Notable Requirements: Five (5) of the thirty (30) available slots should be held in reserve to meet emergency staffing needs at the discretion of the Health Division. There is a three (3) waiver maximum for any single clinic and no more than 70% of the spots may be in Clark County.
Application Review Time and Process: Applications accepted November 1 through September 10 or until the slots are filled. All applications are reviewed by our Primary Care Advisory Council in a public meeting and they make the recommendation to the Health Division Administrator on whether to approve the application. Generally it is best if the employer and/or Physician can attend this meeting to be able to answer questions from the Council members, otherwise the application may be tabled until the next meeting. The Council meets quarterly. If unable to appear in person, there is a teleconference number available that would allow the employer and the physician the ability to participate in the Council meeting by phone.
Contact Information:
Douglas A. Schrauth
Health Resource Analyst II
Primary Care Office
Nevada State Health Division
3427 Goni Road, Suite 108
Carson City, NV 89706
Phone: 775-684-4047
Fax: 775-684-4156
E-mail: dschrauth@health.nv.gov
State: New Hampshire
Practice Areas: The J-1 Visa Waiver Program allows New Hampshire to sponsor
30 (thirty) J-1 Waiver applications per federal fiscal year (October 1-September
30), for primary care and specialists. Preference for J-1 waivers is usually given to
physicians in primary care: Family Practice, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology,
Internal Medicine, Hospitalist, Geriatrics, and Psychiatry.
Fellowship Training Allowed: Yes, specialists accepted depending on need of
primary care providers in community
Notable Requirements: New Hampshire is now allowed to use 10 (ten) of the
waivers to be granted to physicians whose work sites are not located in HPSAs,
MHPSAs, or MUA/Ps but who care for patients who reside in HPSAs, MHPSAs, or
MUA/Ps. For “non-designated” J-1 Visa Waiver slots you need to contact the
Workforce Coordinator for availability of these slots at (800) 852-3345 ext 4741 or
(603) 271-4741.
Application Deadline: New Hampshire accepts J-1 Visa Waiver requests from October 1-August 1 each year. New Hampshire reserves the right to recommend or decline any request for a waiver.
Contact Information:
David Roberts
Program Workforce Coordinator
New Hampshire Division of Public Health Services
Rural and Health and Primary Care Section
29 Hazen Drive
Concord, NH 03301
Phone: 603-271-4741 or 1-800-852-3345 x4741
Fax: 603-271-4506
State: New Jersey
Practice Areas: FP, OB/GYN, P, GIM, PSY. Physicians who have training in family practice and obstetrics/gynecology will receive priority for sponsorship. Physicians in general pediatrics and internal medicine are also eligible, however, the need in the area for the services of the specific specialty must be well documented.
Fellowship Training Allowed: No. Under exceptional circumstances, e.g. a documented continuous and pervasive lack of access by the indigent population to a specific subspecialty, applications from sub-specialists will be considered. Physicians must also be trained in the specialty in which they are practicing.
Notable Requirements: 4-year minimum contract. Must practice medicine a minimum of forty (40) hours per week. Letters of recommendation must be no older than three years prior to submission of the application. All of the required information and documentation must be submitted in a single package with documents presented in the order set forth. All documents must contain the case number assigned by the U.S. Department of State. A copy of New Jersey Medical Licensure must be forwarded to the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior services prior to forwarding the wavier application to the Department of State.
Contact Information:
Linda D. Anderson
Maternal, Child and Community Health Services
New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services
Division of Family Health Services
50 E. State Street, PO Box 364
Trenton, NJ 08625-0364
Phone: 609-292-1495
Fax: 609-292 9288 or 3580
State: New Mexico
Practice Areas: FP, P, OB/GYN, GIM, PSY.
Fellowship Training Allowed: Yes.
Notable Requirements: Cannot be the sole medical practitioner in the practice. Begin accepting applications September 15. 3-5 slots reserved for New Mexico state facilities. To use a Flex Slot, the following conditions must be met: 1) Physicians must be licensed by the New Mexico Department of Health; 2) Facility must provide a substantial amount of medical care to patients who reside in HPSAs, MUAs or MUPs. 3) Facility must also show there is a significant shortage of the applicant’s specialty and an unmet need for this specialty among its patients.
Contact Information:
Gabriel Chavez
New Mexico Department of Health
Office of Primary Care and Rural Health
300 San Mateo Boulevard NE, Suite 902
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87108
Phone: 505-841-5866/5870 (direct dial to Gabriel Chavez)
Fax: 505-841-5885
NM J-1 Waiver application:
State: New York
Practice Areas: Will consider all specialties.
Fellowship Training Allowed: Yes, fellowship training is allowed in that physicians with additional specialty medical training are not precluded from program participation. Applicants proposing to practice in medical specialties or underserved areas besides HPSAs will be considered based on documentation substantiating need for the physician in the area where the practice is proposed. Up to five waivers can be granted to physicians whose work sites are not located in HPSAs or MUA/Ps but who care for patients who reside in HPSAs or MUA/Ps. The facility must document that the sponsoring employer and/or physician will serve populations residing in HPSAs or MUA/Ps.
Application Review Time and Process: Must be postmarked by December 1, 2008; decisions are made by March.
Contact Information:
Steve Swanson
New York State Department of Health
New York “State 30” Program
Corning Tower Room 1084
Empire State Plaza
Albany, NY 12237-0053
Phone: 518-473-7019
Fax: 518-474-0572
State: North Carolina
Practice Areas: All specialties considered.
Fellowship Training Allowed: Specialist will be considered if the rational service area displays a shortage for the candidate’s specialty.
Notable Requirements: 4 year minimum contract; will sponsor physicians on a case-by-case basis. Must call Tom Tucker for approval before submission of application. Flex slots used very selectively and usually must draw from a large HPSA patient pool and display a critical shortage for the requested specialty.
Application Review Time and Process: If application is complete, within one week.
Contact Information:
1) Tom Tucker, Medical Placement Specialist
North Carolina Office of Rural Health and Community Care
311 Ashe Avenue
Raleigh, NC 27606
Phone: 919-733-2040; 800-533-8847
to request application: 919-715-7629
Fax: 919-733-8300
E-mail: Tom.Tucker@ncmail.net
2) Genesa Parker
Phone: 919-733-2040 x203
Email: genesa.parker@ncmail.net
State:North Dakota
Practice Areas: FP, GIM, PSY, general surgery.
Fellowship Training Allowed: Only in extreme circumstances
Application Review Time and Process: After thirty slots are filled, remaining cases are assigned a priority number and carried over to the next fiscal year.
Notable Requirements: Criteria for 5 non HPSA slots - first come, first serve, based on need. If a site receives one of these waivers in one year, they will not receive priority the next year. If slots are available and no other applicants, then they would be considered.Three copies of the required information and documentation must be submitted to the Center for Rural Health in a single package with documents presented in the order set forth on the checklist. All documents must contain the case number assigned by the U.S. Department of State.
Contact Information:
Gary Garland
Center for Rural Health
University of North Dakota
School of Medicine & Health Sciences Room 4909
501 North Columbia Road Stop 9037
Grand Folks, ND 58202-9037
Phone: 701-777-4018
Fax: 701-777-6779
State: Ohio
Practice Areas: Primary care physicians and subspecialties
Fellowship Training Allowed: Yes.
Notable Requirements: Preferred candidates are those whose training is in primary care and those who have completed their postgraduate medical education in Ohio. Preferred sites are those located in HPSAs and those which have a documented record of service to uninsured and publicly insured residents. There is a $3571 non-refundable fee. Applicants for the 10 Flex Slots must show how they serve a HPSA/MHPSA population.
Application Review Time and Process: Facilities wishing to sponsor J-1 Visa waiver physician must submit theFacility Request for J-1 Placement Form with supporting documents between September 1 and October 15. Three review dates for physicians, 11/1, 3/1, and 4/15. Submit at least 14 days prior to review date. For first two review dates, limited to accepting 10 applications max. Please check website for updates starting December 15th, 2008.
Contact Information:
Krista Sapp
Ohio Department of Health
J-1 Visa Waiver Program
246 North High St., 6th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 614-644-1629
Fax: 614-995-4235
State: Oklahoma
Practice Areas: IM, FP, P, OB/GYN, PSY (in mental health HPSAs).
Fellowship Training Allowed: Yes, fellowship trained specialists are accepted on a case-by-case basis, but letter from facility and additional documentation must be provided to show the appropriateness of the placement before a full application is submitted. Have 5 flex slots currently and placement for such is subject to extensive review and approval by the Commissioner of Health.
Notable Requirements: Only 2 slots per county per year and 1 slot per employer per year.
Contact Information:
Michael Brown, Director of Primary Care
Oklahoma Dept of Health/Office of Primary Care
1000 NE 10th Street, Room 508
Oklahoma City, OK 73117-1299
Phone: (405) 271-8428
Fax: 405-271-1225
State: Oregon
Practice Areas: FP, GIM, P, OB/GYN, PSY. Eighty percent of the slots each year go to primary care physicians. Applications from community health centers and mental health facilities receive priority.
Fellowship Training Allowed: Yes, six (6) of the thirty (30) available slots are reserved for specialists; the remaining twenty-four (24) slots are reserved for primary care. Contact coordinator before applying. Will consider placements in non-designated areas (pilot program) with prior approval.
Application Review Time and Process: $2,000 fee required.2-3 week application processing period.
Contact Information:
Dia Shuhart
Oregon Conrad 30 Program
Department of Human Services
800 N.E. Oregon Street, Suite 930
Portland, OR 97232
Phone: 503-945-9467
Dia Shuhart Direct Dial: 503-373-0364
Fax: 503-731-4078
State: Pennsylvania
Practice Areas: FP, IM, OB-GYN, PEDS, PSY
Fellowship Training Allowed: Subspecialties may be considered based on need, but primary care physicians are given priority.
Notable Requirements: To use a Flex Slot, the facility must state its intent to apply for the slot in a letter of need and document the need; must document that 20% of patients are from primary care HPSA or MUA/P or 30% from low income HPSA; must provide EIN; one request per facility per FY.
Contact Information:
Connie Hanna
Department of Health
Bureau of Health Planning
625 Forster Street
Room 1033, Health & Welfare Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120-0701
Phone: 717-772-5298
Fax: 717-705-6525
State: Rhode Island
Practice Areas: FP, GIM, P, Pediatric Neurology, OB/GYN, Anesthesiology, Pain Management, Child PSY, PSY (in mental health HPSAs)
Fellowship Training Allowed: Yes, accepting subspecialists.
Notable Requirements: Priority given to: Spanish speaking English proficient physicians in primary care; those employed by community health centers, community mental health centers and state agencies; physicians in primary care in general; anesthesiologists, especially those who have experience caring for underserved populations, radiologists, and physicians recruited for teaching and clinical roles through Brown University. Using 5 Flex Slots.
Application Review Time and Process: Starts June 15.
Contact Information:
Robert Craussman
Office of Health Professionals Regulation
3 Capitol Hill, Room 205
Providence, RI 02908
Phone: 401-222-3855
Fax: 401-222-2158
Email: RobertCrausman@health.ri.gov
State: South Carolina
Practice Areas: FP, P, GIM, OB/GYN, PSY
Fellowship Training Allowed: Yes, all specialties and subspecialties may apply. Must prove public interest.
Notable Requirements: Must submit proof of unsuccessful recruitment efforts; IMG must have South Carolina license or proof of eligibility. Flex Slots available.
Application Review Time and Process: Apply in August for Safety Net Sites and others in October.
Contact Information:
Mark Jordan
DHEC Office of Primary Care
1751 Calhoun Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-898-0766
Fax: 803-898-0445
State: South Dakota
Practice Areas: FP, GP, GIM, OB/GYN, P
Fellowship Training Allowed: Yes, primary care and all specialties are eligible
Notable Requirements: No non-compete clause in contract; annual reports from facility are required; program fee of $200. To use a Flex Slot, the facility must show how the physician will serve underserved areas. Applications are handled on a first-come, first-serve basis. For flex slot applications, communities of populations of 50,000 and greater as well as communities within a 10-mile radius of such communities may not apply until or after April 1. Communities of all sizes can apply for regular slots starting at the beginning of each federal year.
Application Review Time and Process: Rolling review.
Contact Information:
Josie Petersen
Office of Rural Health
South Dakota Department of Health
600 E. Capitol
Pierre, SD 57501
Phone: 605-773-3361 or 1-800-738-2301
Fax: 605-773-5683
State: Tennessee
Practice Areas: FP, P, OB/GYN, GIM. Specialists accepted.
Fellowship Training Allowed: Yes, specialists in any of over 35 medical specialties are eligible to apply; 70% of slots are allocated to primary care physicians. One specialist per hospital is distributed in up to 30% of the remaining slots. Specialists can apply for these slots between October 1 and September 30. All physicians must agree to practice in their assigned location for a minimum of 40 hours a week for three years.
Notable Requirements: Placement of primary care physicians only in rural areas of the state; placement of physician specialists will be in association with hospitals.
Contact Information:
Ann Cranford
Office of Health Access
Cordell Hull Building, Sixth Floor
425 5th Avenue, North
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: 615-741-2101or 615-741-0417
Fax: 615-253-2100
State: Texas
Practice Areas: GIM, GP, FP, P, OB/GYN, PSY (in geographic HPSA’s)
Fellowship Training Allowed: Specialists considered with additional evidence documenting need in any HPSA or MUA.
Notable Requirements: Need 6 letters of community support. Possibility of using Flex Slots open.
Application Review Time and Process: Applications accepted starting September 1, 2009 for FY 2010; those received before this date will be returned; first 30 complete and eligible applications received will be considered for recommendation; $2,500 fee for all those granted a waiver.
Contact Information:
Clay Daniel or Connie Berry
Texas Primary Care, J-1 Mail Code 1937
Texas Department of State Health Services
1100 West 49th Street
Austin, TX 78756
Phone: 512-458-7518
Fax: 512-458-7658
State: Utah
Practice Areas:Emphasis on FP, GP, Pediatric, IM, OB/GYN, PSY – but other specialties will be considered if the employment shows a documented need in the community for that specialty and documentation of the population that can sustain a full-time practice for the specialty.
Fellowship Training Allowed: Yes.
Notable Requirements: Onlythe following counties are eligible for J-1 visa waiver placements: Cache, Daggett, Emery, Garfield, Grand, Iron, Juab, Piute, Rich,andWayne, as well as primary care HPSA designated Census Tracts in Magna,Midvale, and West Valley City located in Salt Lake County.
Contact Information:
Erin Olsen
Office of Primary Care and Rural Health
Utah Department of Health
Box 142005
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-2005
Phone: 801-273-6618
Fax: 801-273-4146
State: Vermont
Practice Areas: FP, GIM, P, OB/GYN.
Fellowship Training Allowed: Yes, all specialists and primary care physicians may apply.
Notable Requirements: Before employment offer is made, Vermont Department of Health must be notified; 3-year minimum contract required; if exception requested, facility must explain before job offer is made. Using Flex Slots.
Application Review Time and Process: Rolling application process.
Contact Information:
Dawn Miller
Vermont Department of Health
Office of Rural Health and Primary Care
108 Cherry Street
PO Box 70
Burlington, VT 05402
Phone: 1-802-951-5179
Fax: 802-651-1634
Email: DMiller@vdh.state.vt.us
State: Virginia
Practice Areas: GIM, FP, P, OB/GYN, PSY.
Fellowship Training Allowed: All specialties are eligible. A preference is given to J-1 physicians who are placed in a medically undeserved area or a Health Professional Shortage Area and the facility has attempted unsuccessfully to recruit a U.S citizen of permanent resident physician for a period of at least six months.
Notable Requirements: No non-compete clauses allowed. Applications for Flex Slots should include documentation showing the number of similar positions in the community, define the community demographics, indicate the current effects of not having the position available in the community, and a letter of support from the District Health Director and/or community practitioners, hospital administrators, etc. Slots go to the 2 public hospitals if needed until July 1. In addition, Virginia is allowed to request up to thirty J-1 waivers slots per year, which includes five non-designated slots per fiscal year. Effective September 26, 2008 Virginia is allowed 10 non-designated slots. The fiscal year is October 1 to September 30.
Application Review Time and Process: Processing time is generally 30-90 days. Application processing time in this office alone is 2 weeks.
Contact Information:
Ellen McCutcheon
Virginia Department of Health
Office of Minority Health and Public Health Policy
Attn: Health Care Workforce Manager
109 Governor Street, Ste 1016 East
Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: 804-864-7435
Fax: 804-864-7440
State: Washington
Practice Areas: FP, OB/GYN, GIM, P, Geriatric Medicine, and PSY.
Fellowship Training Allowed: Yes, 20 waivers reserved for primary care physicians but 10 slots may be used for specialty physicians.
Notable Requirements: Facility must demonstrate 6 months of active recruitment in 12 months prior to waiver application. Applications for Flex Slots are accepted beginning April 1 of each year; must serve patients from HPSAs (minimum percentage), describe who will benefit (address Medicaid/Medicare access), and provide detailed explanation of recruitment.
Application Review Time and Process: Applications accepted beginnings 10/1 for as long as waivers are available. Review takes 2-3 weeks.
Contact Information:
Jennell Prentice
Washington State Department of Health
Office of Community and Rural Health
Attention: J- l Visa Waiver Program
243 Israel Road SE MS: 7834
Tumwater WA 98501
Phone: 360-236-2814
Fax: 360-664-9273
State: West Virginia
Practice Areas: FP, GIM, P, OB/GYN, PSY.
Fellowship Training Allowed: Yes, specialists and sub-specialists are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Application Review Time and Process: Sponsor has to get site application approval before individual physicians may apply. Three-year contract required. Facility must provide semiannual reports.
Contact Information:
Monique Witten Mahone
J-1 Visa Waiver Coordinator
Office of Community Health Systems
Division of Rural Health and Recruitment
350 Capital Street, Room 515
Charleston, WV 25301
Phone: 304-558-4382 or 1-800-442-3456
Fax: 304-558-1437
State: Wisconsin
Practice Areas: P, PSY, and specialty if need is documented.
Fellowship Training Allowed: Yes.
Notable Requirements: Facility and Physician must sign an Assurances form agreeing to comply with all program requirements. Up to 10 Flex Slots available.
Application Review Time and Process: Applications accepted beginning October 1; rolling review; 14 working days.
Contact Information:
Anne Dopp
Primary Care Office Director
Wisconsin Division of Public Health
1 West Wilson Street, Room 118
P.O. Box 2659
Madison, WI 53701-2659
Phone: 608-267-7121
Fax: 608-266-2584
E-mail: anne.dopp@wisconsin.gov
State: Wyoming
Practice Areas: GIM, FP, P, OB/GYN, PSY.
Fellowship Training Allowed: Yes, all specialties and subspecialties are welcome to apply; no preference is given to primary care physicians.
Notable Requirements: Facility must document recruitment efforts over the past 3 years, including recruitment service agreements; Facility approval required before individual waiver applications may be made. Flex Slots available.
Application Review Time and Process: Rolling application period.
Contact Information:
Jeff Hopkins
Healthcare Recruitment and Workforce Specialist
Office of Rural Health Wyoming Department of Health
6101 Yellowstone Road, Ste 510
Cheyenne, WY 82002
Phone: 307-777-2930
Fax: 307-777-8545
Wyoming Healthcare Provide Loan Repayment Program Website:
Abbreviations:
ARC: Appalachian Regional Commission
DOS: Department of State
ER: emergency room
FMG: foreign medical graduate
FP: family practice
FY: fiscal year
GIM: general internal medicine
GP: general practice
HPSA: health physician shortage area
IGA: interested government agency
IM: internal medicine
IMG: international medical graduate
LPR: lawful permanent resident
MHPSA: mental health physician shortage area
MUA: medically underserved area
OB/GYN: obstetrics/gynecology
OD: optometry
P: pediatrics
PSY: psychiatry
TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language
USDA: U.S. Department of Agriculture
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