Mike Berry, HHS administrator handling the HHS J-1 shortage-area waiver program, has informed AILA that HHS has suspended the program temporarily pending conclusion of a policy review. The HHS stopped taking applications effective October 1, 2003. Mr. Berry expects review to be complete soon, but was unable to provide an approximate date for the program to reopen. Under review are policies regarding state health department and federal Interested Government Agency coordination, and the continued placement of physicians based upon Medically Underserved Area/Medically Underserved Population designations.