Bill > S336

This bill establishes an Interstate Medical Licensure Compact and creates a pathway for internationally-trained physicians to obtain a limited employee license in North Carolina. The Interstate Medical Licensure Compact allows physicians to more easily obtain medical licenses in multiple states by creating a streamlined, standardized process for verifying qualifications and issuing expedited licenses. Under this compact, physicians who meet specific eligibility criteria can apply for a license through their "state of principal license," which will then help them obtain licenses in other participating states. For internationally-trained physicians, the bill creates a new "internationally-trained physician employee license" that allows foreign-trained doctors to work at specific hospitals or rural medical practices in North Carolina. To qualify, these physicians must meet extensive requirements, including having a current medical license in another country, completing significant medical education, demonstrating medical competency through exams or certifications, passing background checks, being proficient in English, and being legally authorized to work in the United States. The license is initially limited to practicing only at the specific hospital or medical practice that sponsored the physician, and after four years, the physician may apply for a full medical license in North Carolina. The North Carolina Medical Board will be responsible for implementing these provisions and will be required to collect and report detailed data about the program's implementation and outcomes.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S336