New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S07840

Introduced
5/9/25  

Caption

Establishes an internationally trained physician licensure pathway program to allow qualified, foreign-trained physicians to contribute to the healthcare system through supervised practice in designated shortage areas, ultimately leading to full licensure.

Impact

Through the proposed legislation, internationally trained physicians would be allowed to practice medicine in designated shortage areas under supervision, thus enhancing the medical workforce. Initially, these physicians would obtain a limited permit to practice for two years while their performance is evaluated. Upon successful completion of this period, they would be eligible for a restricted license permitting them to engage in independent practice within certain specialties. This approach is designed to not only improve healthcare accessibility but also to maintain high standards in medical practice.

Summary

Bill S07840 proposes to address the critical shortage of physicians in New York, particularly in primary care and underserved rural areas, by establishing an internationally trained physician licensure pathway program. This initiative aims to leverage the skills and qualifications of thousands of foreign-trained physicians who currently face barriers due to outdated licensing requirements. By creating a streamlined licensure process, the bill hopes to mitigate the underutilization of qualified medical professionals and expand access to healthcare services for communities in need.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for its intent to alleviate physician shortages, there are potential points of contention, particularly regarding the implementation of the licensure pathway. Critics may voice concerns over the adequacy of supervision and assessment mechanisms for these internationally trained physicians. Additionally, the balance between ensuring safety and quality of care while expanding access could lead to debates over the necessary qualifications and evaluations required for these practitioners. Furthermore, the bill’s effectiveness will depend on the collaboration between the state board for medicine and healthcare facilities, which will require robust oversight to ensure the program meets public health needs.

Companion Bills

NY A07319

Same As Establishes an internationally trained physician licensure pathway program to allow qualified, foreign-trained physicians to contribute to the healthcare system through supervised practice in designated shortage areas, ultimately leading to full licensure.

Previously Filed As

NY A05438

Relates to funds used for the physician loan repayment program and the regents physicians loan forgiveness program for physicians practicing in designated physician shortage areas and creates the medical malpractice rate relief program within the regents physician loan forgiveness program in designated physician shortage areas.

NY S04227

Increases the maximum amount of individual awards for the physician loan repayment program and physician practice support program to encourage physicians to practice in underserved areas.

NY A05012

Permits the performance of medical services by a physician assistant without the supervision of a physician as appropriate to the physician assistant's scope of practice, education and training where such physician assistant has practiced for more than three thousand six hundred hours.

NY S05520

Permits the performance of medical services by a physician assistant without the supervision of a physician as appropriate to the physician assistant's scope of practice, education and training where such physician assistant has practiced for more than three thousand six hundred hours.

NY A05481

Allows certain certified registered nurse anesthetists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants or physicians to be able to be certified as an emergency service technician to service rural areas of the state.

NY S02000

Allows geriatricians to apply for both the physician loan repayment program and the physician practice support program, provided such geriatrician agrees to practice geriatrics for at least 5 years.

NY S03472

Provides that health care plan participation by physicians shall be reported, for purposes of physician profiles, by the health care plans; requires physicians to periodically submit information for his or her physician profile within 6 months of his or her triennial re-registration to practice; authorizes physicians to designate a designee to submit his or her information for the physician profile.

NY A07214

Provides that health care plan participation by physicians shall be reported, for purposes of physician profiles, by the health care plans; requires physicians to periodically submit information for his or her physician profile within 6 months of his or her triennial re-registration to practice; authorizes physicians to designate a designee to submit his or her information for the physician profile.

NY S01445

Requires diversity, inclusion and elimination of bias training for physicians, physician assistants and nurses as part of continuing medical education requirements; establishes such training shall be a biennial requirement.

NY A05993

Requires diversity, inclusion and elimination of bias training for physicians, physician assistants and nurses as part of continuing medical education requirements; establishes such training shall be a biennial requirement.

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