The Graduate Physician Licensing Act establishes a regulatory framework for licensing graduate physicians in New Jersey, enabling them to practice under the supervision of a collaborating physician in medically underserved areas. The act defines essential terms and sets forth the criteria for obtaining and renewing a graduate physician license, which includes being at least 18 years old, having graduated from medical school, successfully completing Step 2 of the physician licensing examination, and maintaining a clean legal record. Graduate physicians will be allowed to prescribe controlled substances and authorize medical cannabis, contingent upon a collaborative practice arrangement with a licensed physician who oversees their work.

The bill also introduces provisions to ensure equitable compensation for graduate physicians by mandating that health benefits carriers, including Medicaid and NJ FamilyCare, reimburse them at rates comparable to other mid-level healthcare providers, such as physician assistants. Additionally, it requires collaborating physicians to document at least 120 hours of on-site practice with graduate physicians before they can prescribe controlled substances or authorize medical cannabis. The act clarifies that no contract can force a physician or graduate physician into collaboration against their will, and it affirms that hospitals retain authority over employment and credentialing decisions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 24:6I-3, 24:21-15.2