Bill > HB1198

This bill, known as the "Expanding Physician Access Act of 2025", creates a pathway for international physicians to obtain provisional medical licenses in Missouri, addressing potential physician shortages. The bill establishes specific eligibility criteria for international physicians, including having a medical doctorate, being in good standing in their home country, completing at least seven years of medical practice or postgraduate training, passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), obtaining Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) certification, and demonstrating English language proficiency. Under this legislation, the state medical board must grant a provisional license to international physicians who have a job offer from a Missouri healthcare provider and are eligible for appropriate immigration status. The provisional license can be converted to a full license after three years of active, good-standing practice in the state. The board retains the authority to revoke the provisional license for safety, competency, or conduct violations, and licensees have the right to appeal such revocations. Importantly, international physicians must still meet standard licensing requirements, including background checks, examination passages, and fee payments. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and aims to help address potential healthcare workforce challenges by creating a structured approach to integrating internationally trained physicians into the Missouri medical system.

Labor and Employment

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1198&year=2025&code=R