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Bill > A6282


NJ A6282

NJ A6282
Establishes procedures for licensing of certain international medical graduates; repeals R.S.45:9-14.


summary

Introduced
12/18/2025
In Committee
12/18/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026

Introduced Session

2024-2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill establishes procedures for the licensing of certain international medical graduates. Under the bill, the State Board of Medical Examiners (board) is to grant a provisional license to practice medicine in New Jersey to any international medical graduate with an offer for employment as a physician at a physician's office or a licensed health care facility in this State. The bill provides that the board is not to grant a provisional license to practice medicine in New Jersey to any international medical graduate unless the individual: (a) has been granted a medical doctorate or substantially similar degree by a medical program of good standing; (b) is in good standing with the medical licensing or regulatory institution of his or her resident country; (c) has completed a residency or substantially similar post-graduate medical training in his or her resident country; (d) has practiced as a medical professional performing the duties of a physician in his or her resident country for no less than five years; (e) possesses basic fluency in the English language; (f) possesses a federal immigration status that allows him or her to practice as a physician in the United States; (g) presents evidence of equivalent medical training and satisfactory passage of exams; (h) successfully passes a background investigation; (i) pays all required fees for licensure; and (j) is a resident of and licensed to practice medicine in any of the following countries: Australia, Canada, Ireland, Israel, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, or United Kingdom. It is the sponsor's belief that that bill will remove barriers that prevent high-quality, internationally-trained physicians from filling vacancies in New Jersey, including in rural and primary care settings, by eliminating training duplication and recognizing high-quality residency programs that they have already completed. All other care standards and requirements remain unchanged and the State medical board is empowered to continue to perform its role to ensure all internationally-trained applicants have the requisite knowledge and experience to practice medicine in New Jersey.

AI Summary

This bill, known as the "Expanding Physician Access Act of 2025," establishes a new process for licensing international medical graduates (IMGs) to practice medicine in New Jersey. The bill allows the State Board of Medical Examiners to grant a provisional license to IMGs who meet specific criteria, including having a medical doctorate from a reputable program, at least five years of medical practice in their home country, basic English fluency, and valid U.S. immigration status. The license is initially provisional and will be automatically converted to a full license after a three-year probationary period. Eligible IMGs must be residents and licensed physicians in specific countries: Australia, Canada, Ireland, Israel, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, or the United Kingdom. The bill aims to address physician shortages by reducing barriers for internationally trained medical professionals, particularly in rural and primary care settings. Additionally, the bill amends existing state law to modify requirements for medical licensure, removing previous restrictions on foreign medical graduates, and ensures that the licensing and disciplinary procedures for IMGs are identical to those for U.S.-trained physicians. The new licensing procedures will take effect on January 1, 2026.

Committee Categories

Health and Social Services

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Health Committee (on 12/18/2025)

bill text


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