Georgia 2023-2024 Regular Session

Georgia Senate Bill SB529

Introduced
2/20/24  
Refer
2/21/24  
Introduced
2/20/24  

Caption

Physicians; certain licensure for qualifying foreign medical graduates; provide

Impact

The bill is set to positively impact state laws pertaining to medical practice by enabling the licensure of foreign medical graduates, thereby potentially expanding the availability of healthcare in medically underserved regions. The limited provisional license would allow qualifying candidates to practice medicine for a period of up to two years, fostering greater access to medical services for communities in need. Furthermore, those who successfully navigate this provisional phase can apply for a restricted license, ultimately leading to a full, unrestricted license, which could enhance the healthcare workforce in Georgia significantly.

Summary

Senate Bill 529 aims to amend the medical licensing framework in Georgia to provide certain licensure opportunities for qualifying foreign medical graduates. This legislation seeks to establish a nonrenewable limited provisional license for foreign-trained physicians who meet specific criteria, such as holding a valid degree, passing relevant examinations, and entering into employment with health facilities that cater to underserved populations. This measure is particularly aimed at addressing the workforce shortages in designated health professional shortage areas.

Contention

However, the bill does raise some points of contention, particularly regarding the implications of allowing foreign medical graduates to practice under provisional licenses. Critics may argue that the existing U.S. medical training and licensure standards should not be compromised, fearing potential deviations from established protocols that could affect patient care quality. Additionally, there may be concerns about the adequacy of oversight on provisional license holders and whether they will be sufficiently prepared to meet the healthcare needs of the community, particularly when working in high-need areas.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

GA SB142

Physicians; certain licensure for qualifying international medical graduates; provide

GA HB2148

Foreign medical graduates; nurses; licensure

GA HB995

Medicine, Board of; temporary licensure of physicians licensed in a foreign country.

GA H1145

Foreign-licensed Physicians

GA AB2273

Physicians and surgeons: foreign medical graduates: special faculty permits.

GA HB1555

Licensure of foreign trained physicians.

GA SB204

Provides for the limited practice of medicine by certain medical school graduates. (BDR 54-49)

GA SB601

To Create A Pathway For A Graduate Of A Foreign Medical School To Be Licensed In This State If He Or She Is Offered Full-time Employment As A Physician From A Healthcare Provider.

GA SB1613

Practice of medicine; creating the Graduate Physicians Act; providing for licensure and practice of graduate physicians; specifying certain requirements, limitations, penalties, and protections. Effective date.

GA HB507

State Board of Physicians - Supervised Medical Graduates

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.