Allied Health Workforce Diversity Act

Allied Health Workforce Diversity Act

• Federal legislation

• Authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services to award grants to accredited higher education programs

• Increase racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic diversity across specific allied health professions

Year and Purpose

• Signed on December 29th 2022

• Increases workforce diversity in various Allied healthcare professions

The Changes

Federal grant program to increase diversity in 5 allied health professions

• OT, PT, SLP, Respiratory Therapy, Audiology

Allows HHS/HRSA to provide grants to accredited higher education programs

Provides funding for scholarships and stipends to expand educational opportunities

Supports recruitment and retention of students from underrepresented backgrounds

Authorized $8 million annually for 5 yrs. to fund programs

Importance: Allied Health Care Diversity Act

Strengthens healthcare workforce

Promotes culturally responsive care

Addresses diversity gaps

OT Specific Impacts: Allied Healthcare Diversity Act

1. Increase representation within the OT workforce a.Recruit & retain underrepresented students

2. Better reflect the communities OT serves a.Increase cultural, racial, and ethnic understanding & improve access to care

3. Reduce barriers to OT education a. Supports completion of MSOT and OTD level courses b. Mentorship, tutoring, scholarships & stipends

4. Improving the sense of belonging & retention within OT

Factors Impacting Development: Workforce Diversity Act

Mentorship and belonging shapes who stays in field

Funding is NOT authorized, NOT guaranteed

Cost of school and unpaid fieldwork limit access

Access to OT programs is uneven across regions and communities