This bill establishes a pathway for graduates of foreign medical schools to obtain a medical license in Arkansas if they are offered full-time employment as a physician by a healthcare provider serving a medically underserved population. It amends the Arkansas Medical Practices Act to include new definitions for "healthcare provider" and "medically underserved population." Additionally, it modifies the qualifications for licensure, allowing foreign medical graduates to be licensed if they meet specific criteria, including holding an active license in a foreign country, having practiced medicine recently, and passing required examinations.

The bill introduces a provisional licensing system for these foreign medical graduates, which requires them to maintain employment with their sponsoring healthcare provider for at least three years and to notify the Arkansas State Medical Board of any employment changes. The provisional license is valid for one year and can be renewed under certain conditions. After two years of practice under this provisional license, the physician may be eligible for an unrestricted license, contingent upon approval from the Arkansas State Medical Board. This legislative change aims to address physician shortages in underserved areas by facilitating the integration of qualified foreign medical graduates into the state's healthcare system.

Statutes affected:
Old version SB601 V2 - 4-9-2025 11:23 AM: 17-95-202, 17-95-201, 17-95-301, 17-95-401, 17-95-403(b), 17-95-403
Old version SB601 Original - 4-1-2025 03:07 PM: 17-95-202, 17-95-201, 17-95-301, 17-95-401, 17-95-403(b), 17-95-403
SB 601: 17-95-202, 17-95-201, 17-95-301, 17-95-401, 17-95-403(b), 17-95-403
Act 971: 17-95-202, 17-95-201, 17-95-301, 17-95-401, 17-95-403(b), 17-95-403