Bill > A5273

This bill establishes the "Graduate Physician Licensing Act," which creates a new category of licensed medical professionals called "graduate physicians" who can provide primary care services in medically underserved areas. A graduate physician must be at least 18 years old, a medical school graduate, have completed one year of clinical practice hours, passed specific medical licensing examinations, and have never been convicted of certain criminal offenses. These professionals are required to work under a collaborative practice arrangement with a fully licensed physician, who will provide ongoing supervision and be responsible for overseeing the graduate physician's medical services. Graduate physicians are limited to practicing primary care in underserved areas and must wear identification clearly indicating their status. They can prescribe certain controlled substances with restrictions, including a five-day supply limit for some medications, and can authorize medical cannabis use under specific conditions. The bill mandates that health insurance carriers, state health benefit programs, and Medicaid must reimburse graduate physicians at the same rate as other mid-level healthcare providers like physician assistants. The goal of this legislation is to increase medical access in areas with healthcare provider shortages by creating a pathway for recent medical graduates to practice while receiving supervised professional development.

Health and Social Services

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A5273