Bill > SB5118

This bill updates the requirements for the clinical experience license for international medical graduates, making several key changes to the existing licensing process. The bill allows the medical commission to issue a limited license to international medical graduates who meet specific criteria, including certification by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates and passing steps one and two of the United States Medical Licensing Examination. Notably, the bill increases the number of supervised practice license holders a supervising physician can oversee from two to four and extends the potential total license period from two to eight years. The bill also introduces flexibility for the commission to consider hardship scenarios for applicants, such as refugee status or persecution in their home country, and allows the commission to use alternative methods of evaluating an applicant's competence. International medical graduates with this license can practice only under the supervision of a licensed physician in the same clinical specialty and within the nominating facility. The bill ensures that these license holders are considered full-scope physicians for various professional purposes, unless specific disciplinary actions limit their scope. Additionally, the bill requires applicants to apply to residency programs before their third license renewal, demonstrating a pathway to full medical licensure.

Health and Social Services

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5118&Year=2025&Initiative=false