Bill > HB1306

This bill establishes two new pathways for international medical graduates (IMGs) to obtain full medical licensure in Washington state. First, the bill recognizes Canadian medical school accreditation and licensure exams as equivalent to U.S. standards. Second, it creates a preceptorship pathway that allows IMGs to become fully licensed physicians without completing traditional postgraduate training. Under this pathway, IMGs can obtain a license by practicing full-time under supervision for at least four years, receiving satisfactory evaluations from a supervising physician, and meeting specific documentation requirements. The bill also provides the medical commission with discretionary power to waive certain licensing requirements for IMGs experiencing hardships, such as refugee status or persecution in their home country. Additionally, for exceptionally qualified IMGs, the commission may establish an abbreviated assessment program to determine competence. The goal is to expand medical workforce opportunities and provide more flexible licensing options for internationally trained medical professionals while maintaining rigorous standards of medical competence and patient safety.

Health and Social Services

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1306&Year=2025&Initiative=false