Bill > SB457

This bill establishes a new process for physicians who graduated from medical schools outside of the United States or Canada to obtain a license to practice medicine in the state, creating a new section in existing law (RSA 329) to outline these qualifications. Previously, the law primarily focused on physicians educated in the U.S. or Canada, with a removed clause that allowed for foreign graduates recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and certified by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). The new provisions require these "international medical graduates" to pay a fee, submit an application with fingerprints and a criminal history release, be at least 21 years old, of good professional character, have completed at least two years of college coursework, hold a recognized medical degree from an international program of good standing, be in good standing with their licensing country's medical board, have completed at least two years of postgraduate training accredited by their country's equivalent of the Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education, have practiced medicine in their licensing country for at least five years, have a job offer from a healthcare provider in the state, demonstrate English language fluency through a test like the occupational English test for medicine, and pass one of several standardized medical licensing exams such as the USMLE or FLEX. The bill also allows for a waiver of the examination requirement if the applicant is board-certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) or the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), and it defines "international medical graduate" and "international medical program" for clarity. This act is set to take effect on January 1, 2027.

Education, Health and Social Services

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=1430&inflect=2