The bill SB1406 seeks to establish a provisional medical licensing system for international medical licensees in Arizona, effective January 1, 2025. This new provision allows the Arizona Medical Board (AMB) and the Arizona Board of Osteopathic Examiners (ABOE) to grant provisional licenses to applicants who have secured employment in counties with populations under one million, possess valid federal immigration status, and meet other statutory requirements. The provisional licensees will work under supervision and must comply with continuing education requirements. Notably, these licenses can convert to full medical licenses after four years of practice without disciplinary actions.

Key changes from current law include the shift from requiring employment in medically underserved areas to employment in less populated counties, the introduction of English fluency requirements, and the ability for the boards to revoke licenses based on clear evidence. The bill also outlines additional responsibilities for provisional licensees, such as competency tests from employers and mandatory notifications to the board regarding employment status. Furthermore, the AMB and ABOE are exempted from certain rulemaking requirements for one year to facilitate the implementation of these new provisions. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the integration of international medical professionals into Arizona's healthcare system while ensuring adherence to state regulations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 32-1440
Senate Engrossed Version: 32-1440