Assessing and Expanding the Capacity of the Pediatric Health Care Workforce

The population of children and youth with chronic and complex needs in the U.S. continues to rise, and states are simultaneously experiencing a reduced health care workforce in many areas. Recent projections show that the distribution of pediatric subspecialists does not align with the need and demand. This brief, produced by the National Academy for State Health Policy, explores how states are addressing the health care workforce challenges affecting children and families, including in pediatric primary and subspecialty care, through statewide needs assessments and strategic planning initiatives, collection and analysis of workforce data, and workforce development investments.