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Committee backs expanded provisional pathway for foreign‑trained physicians
Summary
An amended measure (HB 2571) would expand a provisional two‑year supervised training pathway allowing international medical graduates and U.S. citizens trained abroad to practice in Tennessee under supervision and then obtain unrestricted licensure. Members discussed supervision and rural-placement incentives; the bill advanced 9–1.
Chairman Kumar described HB 2571 as a targeted response to a statewide physician shortage, saying Tennessee needs approximately 18,000 more physicians. The bill would permit qualified international medical graduates and U.S. citizens who attended medical school abroad to enter a two‑year provisional training period in Tennessee under board‑certified supervision and then obtain an unrestricted license if they meet requirements.
"This bill provides an easier pathway for physicians to enter into practice within the state of Tennessee, especially those who are U.S. citizens and have gone to medical school abroad," Kumar said. Members asked whether rural hospitals and smaller facilities can provide appropriate supervision; the sponsor said supervision by board‑certified physicians is required and that private hospitals and health systems typically offer incentives to place trainees in needed areas. Representative McKenzie suggested stronger incentives or targeted placements to ensure providers serve rural areas, and Kumar responded that the policy's first step is creating eligibility for training; recruitment and placement incentives would follow.
The committee advanced HB 2571 to Calendar & Rules by a roll call vote of 9–1.
What happens next: HB 2571 will be scheduled on the House calendar and referred to stakeholders for implementation planning if enacted.
