The proposed bill would significantly update the current statutes regarding medical licensure for international medical licensees in Arizona. It introduces a new section, 32-1440, which allows the Arizona Medical Board (AMB) and the Arizona Board of Osteopathic Examiners (ABOE) to grant provisional licenses to international medical licensees who have job offers in counties with populations under one million and possess valid federal immigration status. Key changes include the prohibition of using the inability to obtain professional conduct records as the sole reason for licensure denial, and the establishment of specific requirements for applicants, such as demonstrating substantially similar medical training and having practiced medicine for at least 60 months within the last 10 years.

Additionally, the bill mandates that provisional licenses be renewed annually and can convert to full licenses after four years if certain conditions are met, including no disciplinary actions. It requires the AMB and ABOE to report on the provisional licensing program's outcomes by January 1, 2033, and exempts the boards from certain rulemaking requirements for one year after the bill's effective date. Overall, these updates aim to facilitate the integration of qualified international medical professionals into Arizona's healthcare system while ensuring public safety and maintaining professional standards.

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