Signed by Governor Brad Little

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to amend and pass a bill that establishes conditions and terms for provisions and medical licenses for foreign graduates of medical schools in Idaho.

Highlights:

• Establishes a pathway to licensure for international physicians who have attended a recognized medical school and completed residency training (Sec. 2).

• Defines "International medical program" as any medical school, residency program, medical internship program, or entity that provides physicians with a medical education or training outside of the United States or Canada that is substantially similar to the medical education or training required to practice as a physician in Idaho and has been evaluated and certified by the educational commission for foreign medical graduates (Sec. 2).

• Defines "International physician" as any individual who (Sec. 2):

• Was not a legal resident of the United States or Canada when they attended and matriculated from an international medical program;

• Has been granted a medical doctorate or substantially similar degree by an international medical program of good standing;

• Has completed a residency or post-graduate medical training;

• Has practiced medicine as a physician in good standing with the regulatory institution in such individual's home country for at least 3 years after the completion of post-graduate medical training or completed at least 500 hours of clinical experience under direct physician supervision in a clinical setting in the United States; 

• Has practiced medicine within the last 5 years or has a waiver from the board; and

• Possesses basic fluency in English as demonstrated by a passing score on the occupational English test for medicine or other equivalent exams approved by the board.

• Specifies that for an international physician licensed under section 54-1812, Idaho Code, completing the 3-year provisional license period constitutes a postgraduate training experience acceptable to the board (Sec. 3).

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill shall take effect January 1, 2025 (Sec. 8).

Full Bill Text