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House approves 90-day training permit for out-of-state physicians under supervision
Summary
The House passed HB 10-97 to allow nonresident physicians with an unrestricted license elsewhere to train in South Dakota facilities for up to 90 days under direct supervision, after registering with the state medical board and showing malpractice coverage; the bill drew questions about federal budget cuts to graduate medical education and how the
The House passed House Bill 10-97 on Feb. 20 to permit physicians licensed in other states to come to South Dakota for supervised training for periods of 90 days or less without obtaining a full in-state medical license. Under the bill, a nonresident physician must register with the State Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners on a form prescribed by the board, disclose the supervising physician, state the purpose and anticipated length of training, show evidence of malpractice insurance and pay a $50 registration fee.
Sponsor Representative Cole said the bill addresses situations in which out-of-state physicians come to learn specific procedures from South Dakota practitioners and previously would have had to complete the full licensing process. He said the change protects patients by requiring direct supervision (the teaching physician must be physically present and readily available) and malpractice coverage. The bill carried out of committee unanimously and found floor support.
During debate Representative Hughes raised a policy concern that FY 2026 budget language cuts funding for graduate medical education even as the House authorizes short-term training visits; Hughes called that a contradiction. Representative Malawi asked whether trainees would work on live patients; Representative Cole confirmed yes, and said patients are made aware and the supervising physician is available. Representative Garcia and others raised questions about whether the 90-day permit could be used as a loophole to delay full licensure; sponsors said the 90 days is a maximum and many trainings are shorter.
Final recorded vote on the floor was ayes 59, nays 10, excused 1; the House declared the bill passed (the bill record noted a requirement for a two-thirds vote because of a continuously appropriated fee; the House determined it met the applicable threshold). Supporters said the measure facilitates skills transfer to South Dakota practitioners and benefits patients who are treated by physicians training under direct supervision.
Provenance: Representative Cole’s presentation begins at transcript segment 4562.645 and the final roll-call is recorded at transcript segment 5306.1646.
