The proposed bill establishes a new chapter, 43-17.6, in the North Dakota Century Code, which outlines the licensure process for international physicians. It defines key terms such as "international physician," "health care provider," and "international medical program," and sets forth the qualifications required for international physicians to obtain a provisional license. To be eligible, an international physician must have an employment offer from a health care provider in North Dakota, meet specific educational and training criteria, pass the United States medical licensing examination, and fulfill other requirements. The bill also stipulates that provisional licenses can be revoked under certain conditions and provides a process for appealing such revocations.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for the automatic conversion of a provisional license to a full medical license after three years of active practice in the state. The state board of medicine is granted authority to verify training equivalency, review examination results, conduct background checks, and collect necessary fees. International physicians are allowed to apply for provisional licensure prior to receiving federal work authorization, but they cannot begin practicing until such authorization is obtained. This legislation aims to streamline the process for international physicians to practice medicine in North Dakota, thereby addressing potential healthcare provider shortages in the state.