summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill establishes the "Graduate Physician Licensing Act." Under the bill, the State Board of Medical Examiners (board) will issue a license as a graduate physician to an applicant who: 1) is at least 18 years of age; 2) is a medical school graduate; 3) has completed one year of clinical practice hours; 4) has successfully completed Step 2 of the physician licensing examination; 5) has not completed an approved postgraduate residency; and 6) has no criminal history. Alternatively, the board may accept proof that an applicant holds a current graduate physician license in a state which has standards substantially equivalent to those of New Jersey. Graduate physicians will be authorized to provide primary care services in medically underserved areas of the State, subject to any restrictions set forth in a collaborative practice arrangement with a collaborating physician, who is responsible for supervising the graduate physician at all times. The delivery of health care services is to be within the scope of practice of the graduate physician and consistent with that graduate physician's skill, training, and competence and the skill and training of the collaborating physician. Graduate physicians may be delegated the authority to prescribe controlled dangerous substances and authorize patients for medical cannabis, subject to certain restrictions. The bill further requires health benefits plans, the Medicaid and NJ FamilyCare programs, the State Health Benefits Program, and the School Employees' Health Benefits Program, to reimburse a graduate physician for the diagnosis, consultation, or treatment of patients on the same basis that reimbursement is provided for the service when it is delivered by another comparable mid-level health provider including, but not limited to, a physician assistant.
AI Summary
This bill establishes the "Graduate Physician Licensing Act," creating a new license for individuals who have graduated from medical school, completed one year of clinical practice, passed Step 2 of their licensing exam, and have no criminal history, provided they have not yet completed a full residency program. These "graduate physicians" will be authorized to provide primary care services in medically underserved areas under the supervision of a "collaborating physician," who is a fully licensed physician responsible for oversight. The bill also allows graduate physicians, with appropriate authorization and within defined limits, to prescribe controlled substances and recommend medical cannabis. Furthermore, it mandates that health insurance plans, including Medicaid and state employee health programs, reimburse graduate physicians for their services on par with other mid-level healthcare providers like physician assistants. The act also amends existing laws to include "graduate physician" in definitions related to health care practitioners and medical cannabis, ensuring they are recognized within these frameworks.
Sponsors (5)
Linda Carter (D)*,
Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (D)*,
Shama Haider (D),
William Sampson (D),
Shanique Speight (D),
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Health Infrastructure Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/A2114 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A2500/2114_I1.HTM |
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