Bill > H0077

This bill amends Idaho law to create a new pathway for medical graduates to obtain physician licensure by establishing an "assistant physician" category and a subsequent route to full licensure. The bill defines an assistant physician as a medical school graduate within three years of graduation who is a U.S. citizen or attended a U.S. medical school. The new law allows these assistant physicians to practice medicine under a renewable three-year limited license with specific conditions, including practicing under physician supervision and having prescriptive authority determined by the state board of medicine. To transition to full licensure as a general practitioner, an assistant physician must complete specific requirements, including passing Step 3 of the U.S. medical licensing examination, accumulating 36 months of collaborative practice experience, completing 50 hours of continuing medical education annually, and submitting regular didactic training reports. The bill aims to address healthcare provider shortages by creating a more flexible pathway to medical practice, and requires the medical board to report on the program's effectiveness by January 31, 2033. The provisions will go into effect on July 1, 2025, and are intended to provide additional opportunities for medical graduates to enter medical practice while maintaining patient safety through structured supervision and ongoing education requirements.

Health and Social Services

Health and Welfare Committee (H)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2025/legislation/H0077/