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House passes SB 2367 to let licensing board create pathways for foreign-trained physicians
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Summary
After public testimony from hospital and clinic leaders about urgent shortages — including imminent loss of the only on-island ophthalmologist — the House unanimously passed SB 2367 SS1 to let the Health Care Professions Licensing Board write regulations for licensing physicians trained abroad.
The House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 2367, Senate Substitute 1, authorizing the Health Care Professions Licensing Board to promulgate regulations for licensing physicians licensed in foreign countries.
The move followed public comments from health-care leaders who called the change urgent. Dr. Marty Rohringer, deputy chief medical officer at CHCC and vice chairman of the medical licensing board, told the House the measure would “empower the healthcare professions licensing board to create practical and diligent pathways for foreign doctors to practice in the Commonwealth” and help address shortages in primary and specialty care.
Wendeline Escota, general manager of Marianas Eye Institute, said the island’s current ophthalmologist will depart in February and that the clinic had secured only two temporary U.S. ophthalmologists to cover parts of February and March. Escota warned that without a permanent replacement “patients will face off-island referrals,” increasing cost and delays and risking preventable vision loss.
Matthew Nelson, an emergency department physician, said telemedicine pilots can supplement care on Rota and Tinian but cannot replace continuity of primary care. Nelson endorsed SB 2367 and said it would allow additional physicians to serve outer islands.
Representative Marissa Flores commended the bill’s authors but asked the body to ensure the law’s intent covers not only physicians broadly but also other specialized health professionals such as ophthalmologists and veterinarians. Several members echoed that the licensing board will need additional resources and capacity to vet international candidates thoroughly.
Floor Leader (name not given) moved for passage; the clerk recorded a roll call in which all 15 members present voted yes and the bill passed the House.
The bill now moves to the next procedural step for transmittal to the appropriate body. Members who spoke said implementation will require the licensing board to develop regulations and suggested the Legislature or administration consider providing support for vetting and credentialing processes.
