Posted: | November 29, 2023 01:44 PM |
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From: | Representative Danilo Burgos and Rep. Carol Kazeem |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Pathway to Full Licensure for International Doctors with a Temporary License |
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed our limited stock of medical professionals, including doctors. In response, we expanded temporary licensing for doctors in 2022 to expand the workforce. However, this vital workforce still remains far too small leaving us vulnerable to future events similar to the COVID-19 pandemic. International licensed doctors provide an opportunity to fill this gap in the workforce and can receive a temporary license in Pennsylvania if they meet certain requirements prior to applying for and receiving a full, unrestricted license. I recently reviewed Tennessee Senate Bill 1451, which I think could offer solutions to this problem. This bill provides for temporary licensure of an international medical school graduate if they meet certain requirements of the licensing board and work at a healthcare provider with an accredited residency program. If the temporary licensee is in good standing for two years, they would be granted a full and unrestricted license to practice medicine. Similarly, I am introducing legislation to require the Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine to allow international licensed doctors, who have received a temporary license in Pennsylvania, to be granted a full and unrestricted license to practice medicine if they are in good standing for two years after the date of temporary licensure. Creating a smoother path toward full licensure for capable internationally licensed doctors could make Pennsylvania a destination for the world’s brightest doctors and make us better prepared to handle future crises. Please join me as we attract quality international doctors and streamline the process for their licensure to make the Commonwealth a stronger and healthier place. |
Introduced as HB1873