BISMARCK – This week, U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) thanked frontline health care workers during his remarks at the annual North Dakota Medical Association (NDMA) meeting, which was held this year as a webinar.

“I am tremendously grateful for the work of the North Dakota Medical Association members, and all of our state’s health care workers, especially during a year of such uncertainty,” said Senator Cramer. “They rose to the challenge, and our families and communities are safer and healthier because of them.”

Founded in 1887, NDMA advocates on behalf of North Dakota’s physicians to advance high quality medical care for patients across the state. During his remarks, Senator Cramer covered the funding made available to them in the CARES Act and highlighted his legislation to expand the health care workforce and access to telehealth.

Senator Cramer is a supporter of legislation such as:  

  • S. 289 – The Rural Physician Workforce Production Act, which provides medical students the opportunity to practice and learn in a Critical Access Hospital in rural North Dakota.
  • S. 948 – The Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act, which extends the J-1 visa waiver program to allow international doctors to remain in the United States upon completing their residency under the condition that they practice in underserved areas, such as rural communities.
  • S.3599 – The Healthcare Workforce Resilience Act, which makes previously unused immigrant visas available to nurses and physicians who petition for such a visa before the date that is 90 days after the end of the declared national emergency relating to the COVID-19 outbreak.
  • S.2408 – The Telehealth Across State Lines Act of 2019, which amends the Public Health Service Act to create a national telehealth program aimed at increasing access to care for patients across the country.

The senator also fielded questions from members on CDC guidelines and on efforts to ensure people have continued access to coverage.