The proposed bill would update current statutes regarding medical licensure in Arizona by introducing a new section, 32-1440, which allows the Arizona Medical Board (AMB) and the Arizona Board of Osteopathic Examiners (ABOE) to grant provisional medical licenses to international medical licensees under specific conditions. Key changes include the requirement for employment offers in counties with populations under one million and proof of federal immigration status. The bill also specifies that the inability to obtain professional conduct records cannot solely justify a denial of licensure and removes the clear and convincing burden of proof standard for cases of sexual misconduct with a patient. Furthermore, the bill outlines additional requirements for provisional licensees, such as evidence of substantially similar medical training and satisfactory exam passages as determined by the AMB or ABOE, and requires applicants to have practiced medicine for at least 60 months within the preceding 10 years. Provisional licenses would be renewed annually and could convert to full licenses after four years if certain criteria are met. The AMB and ABOE would also be mandated to report on the outcomes of provisional licensure by January 1, 2033, and would be prohibited from accepting new applications for provisional licenses starting January 1, 2034.

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