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Senate committee hears mixed views on bill to create provisional license pathway for internationally trained physicians
Summary
Supporters told the Senate Workforce Committee the bill would help address physician shortages by licensing qualified international physicians under supervision; the Board of Medicine and others warned the state and boards lack capacity and safeguards and urged delay or amendments.
Chairman Wabamah opened a public hearing on Senate Bill 2270 on a proposal to create a provisional licensure pathway for internationally trained physicians to practice in North Dakota under the employment of participating health care providers.
Supporters said the bill would expand the pool of doctors available to treat patients in high-need areas. Donna Thronson, executive director of the North Dakota Medical Association, told the committee “NDMA supports Senate Bill 2270” and said physicians have asked for an alternative pathway that vets education without requiring internationally trained physicians to repeat U.S. residencies. Mike Zimmer of WES (a nonprofit social enterprise that works with internationally trained professionals) said many states are pursuing similar pathways and described national models for training, oversight and data tracking.
The bill would allow qualified international physicians to receive a provisional license if they meet examination and credentialing steps (including evaluation by the Education Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates) and have a full‑time offer…
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