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, particularly in medically underserved areas. The act defines essential terms and sets forth the criteria for obtaining and renewing a graduate physician license, which includes age, educational qualifications, and a clean legal record. Graduate physicians are authorized to provide primary care services, prescribe certain controlled substances, and authorize medical cannabis, all under a collaborative practice arrangement that requires written agreements detailing the scope of practice and supervision.

The bill also introduces new provisions that enhance the roles and responsibilities of graduate and collaborating physicians, including a requirement for 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. It ensures that no contract can force either party to act against their will in these roles and clarifies that hospitals maintain authority over employment and credentialing decisions. Furthermore, the act mandates equitable reimbursement for graduate physicians by health benefits plans, Medicaid, and NJ FamilyCare, aligning their compensation with that of other mid-level healthcare providers, thereby promoting access to healthcare services in underserved areas.

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