Press ReleaseNeutral2026-07-17

Grothman Bill to Streamline Foreign Medical Accreditation Advances Through Education and Workforce Committee

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This press release from Representative Glenn Grothman (R-WI) was published on 2026-07-17 and titled "Grothman Bill to Streamline Foreign Medical Accreditation Advances Through Education and Workforce Committee".

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Grothman Bill to Streamline Foreign Medical Accreditation Advances Through Education and Workforce Committee

Congressman Glenn Grothman (WI-06)'s Less Bureaucracy, Better Foreign Medical Accreditation Act advanced through the House Committee on Education and Workforce, clearing the way for consideration by the full House of Representatives. The legislation would transfer responsibility for foreign medical accreditation from the U.S. Department of Education to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), placing the program within the federal agency best equipped to oversee medical education and the healthcare workforce. "President Trump has made it a priority to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy and ensure the federal government is focused on doing its job efficiently," Congressman Grothman said. "Foreign medical accreditation is a healthcare issue, not an education issue. The Department of Health and Human Services has the expertise to oversee this process, and moving these responsibilities there is simply common sense. This bill cuts red tape, improves accountability, and ensures these important functions are handled by the agency best suited for the job. I'm pleased the Education and Workforce Committee advanced this legislation, and I hope to see it considered by the full House." Background Information Foreign medical accreditation is the process by which foreign medical schools are evaluated to ensure their graduates meet standards comparable to those required of medical schools in the United States. These responsibilities are currently carried out by the National Committee on Foreign Medical Education and Accreditation (NCFMEA, which is currently housed within the Department of Education. As part of President Trump's effort to reduce the size and scope of the Department of Education and return education authority to the states, the Department of Education entered into an Interagency Agreement with HHS on November 18, 2025, to begin transferring these responsibilities. Because HHS oversees many federal healthcare and medical workforce programs, it is better positioned to administer foreign medical accreditation. The Less Bureaucracy, Better Foreign Medical Accreditation Act would permanently codify that transfer by: Moving all foreign medical accreditation functions from the Secretary of Education to the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Transferring all personnel, assets, contracts, records, and remaining funds associated with these functions to HHS. Requiring the Office of Management and Budget to ensure the transfer does not increase the total number of federal employees. Preserving all existing regulations, contracts, and accreditation proceedings to ensure continuity for students and institutions. Allowing HHS to temporarily use Department of Education resources during the transition to ensure an orderly transfer. -30- U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) proudly serves the people of Wisconsin’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

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Grothman Bill to Streamline Foreign Medical Accreditation Advances Through Education and Workforce Committee Congressman Glenn Grothman (WI-06)'s Less Bureaucracy, Better Foreign Medical Accreditation Act advanced through the House Committee on Education and Workforce, clearing the way for consideration by the full House of Representatives. The legislation would transfer responsibility for foreign medical accreditation from the U.S. Department of Education to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), placing the program within the federal agency best equipped to oversee medical education and the healthcare workforce. "President Trump has made it a priority to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy and ensure the federal government is focused on doing its job efficiently," Congressman Grothman said. "Foreign medical accreditation is a healthcare issue, not an education issue. The Department of Health and Human Services has the expertise to oversee this process, and moving these responsibilities there is simply common sense. This bill cuts red tape, improves accountability, and ensures these important functions are handled by the agency best suited for the job. I'm pleased the Education and Workforce Committee advanced this legislation, and I hope to see it considered by the full House." Background Information Foreign medical accreditation is the process by which foreign medical schools are evaluated to ensure their graduates meet standards comparable to those required of medical schools in the United States. These responsibilities are currently carried out by the National Committee on Foreign Medical Education and Accreditation (NCFMEA, which is currently housed within the Department of Education. As part of President Trump's effort to reduce the size and scope of the Department of Education and return education authority to the states, the Department of Education entered into an Interagency Agreement with HHS on November 18, 2025, to begin transferring these responsibilities. Because HHS oversees many federal healthcare and medical workforce programs, it is better positioned to administer foreign medical accreditation. The Less Bureaucracy, Better Foreign Medical Accreditation Act would permanently codify that transfer by: Moving all foreign medical accreditation functions from the Secretary of Education to the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Transferring all personnel, assets, contracts, records, and remaining funds associated with these functions to HHS. Requiring the Office of Management and Budget to ensure the transfer does not increase the total number of federal employees. Preserving all existing regulations, contracts, and accreditation proceedings to ensure continuity for students and institutions. Allowing HHS to temporarily use Department of Education resources during the transition to ensure an orderly transfer. -30- U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) proudly serves the people of Wisconsin’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.