SB1406 is a bill that would enable the Arizona Medical Board and the Arizona Board of Osteopathic Examiners to issue provisional medical licenses to qualified international medical graduates starting January 1, 2025. To be eligible, these graduates must have a job offer in a county with fewer than 1 million residents, hold valid U.S. work authorization, and meet other licensure criteria. The provisional license can be converted to a full license after four years if the licensee meets certain conditions, including a lack of disciplinary action and a positive evaluation from their supervising physician.

The bill defines the term "international medical licensee" and sets forth the requirements for obtaining and maintaining a provisional license, including supervision, continuing education, and employment status monitoring. It also allows the medical boards to bypass standard rulemaking procedures for one year to expedite the licensing process and establishes the ability to discipline or revoke a provisional license based on substantial evidence. The effective date for these provisions is set for December 31, 2024.

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