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Committee backs study-and-pathway bill for internationally trained physicians, flags fiscal needs
Summary
Senate Finance voted to report S142 favorably; the bill would authorize a study and create provisional/limited-licensure pathways for internationally trained physicians, but staff said implementation likely requires FY2028 appropriations or fees for one to three FTEs and potential consultant costs.
Senate Finance advanced legislation aimed at creating licensure pathways for internationally trained physicians and medical graduates, directing the health department and the Board of Medical Practice to report back on program design and resource needs.
Joint Fiscal Office staff said the bill creates a structure for provisional and limited licenses and requires a study to determine exact resource needs. Although the draft contains no appropriation or fee schedule, JFO and staff warned that implementation would likely require one to three FTEs and possibly consultants, with annualized personnel costs in the range of $150,000 per position; the board of medical practice may eventually rely on fees, but fees alone likely would not cover start-up costs because initial enrollments are expected to be small.
Proponents framed the bill as an exploratory step to address provider shortages, particularly in rural areas, and pointed to other states that have implemented similar pathways. Committee members supported reporting the bill favorably while acknowledging appropriation questions will need answers if the Legislature chooses implementation funding later.
The committee voted to report the bill favorably to the floor; staff will prepare follow-up analysis on potential appropriations and fee models.
