I applaud the attention that Dr. Michael Johns and Dr. Edward Miller are bringing to the health care work force challenges as health care reform legislation draws closer to passage ("Prescription: More Doctors," Jan. 1). I share their concerns about shortages of health professionals and have worked hard to include provisions in the House health care bill which will help alleviate these problems.

If we are to successfully reform our health care system, we must create a fiscally sustainable, integrated workforce that will take into account national trends, as well as state or regional factors. An adequate and properly organized workforce is critical to supporting a high-quality health care delivery system. Currently, there are no clear policies guiding federal, state and local investments in the health work force.

That's why I introduced the Health Care Work force Incentive Act of 2009 (H.R. 2930) which seeks to align the health care work force with patient needs and would establish a National Health Care Work Force Advisory Board, a National Center for Work Force Data and Analysis and provide resources for state and regional health work force councils.

Elements of this proposal were included in the House-passed health care reform bill (H.R. 3962), along with provisions that would strengthen existing scholarship, loan repayment and training grant programs for primary care, nursing and public health professionals.

I will continue to focus on these issues because a well-trained health care work force is the key to success, not only for health care reform but also for our economic recovery.

U.S. Rep. John Sarbanes, Baltimore

The writer is a Democrat representing Maryland's 3rd District.

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