Bill > SB5185

This bill establishes a pilot program to create a pathway for international medical graduates (IMGs) to become licensed physicians in Washington state, aiming to address physician shortages. The program, called the "clinical experience graduate pilot program," will allow IMGs who have already completed two years of supervised clinical practice under a specific license to pursue full licensure. To qualify for this pilot program, applicants must hold a clinical experience license, have no significant disciplinary history, and receive satisfactory evaluations and attestations from their supervising physicians and practice sites. Upon successful completion of additional supervised clinical experience, passing a specific medical licensing exam (Step 3 of the USMLE), and a clinical competency assessment, participants can earn a primary care license. The bill also allows the Washington medical commission to create rules for a primary care license for these participants and requires the commission to report on the program's progress and consider its expansion. This pilot program is set to expire on June 30, 2035.