The "Graduate Physician Licensing Act" establishes a new framework for licensing graduate physicians in New Jersey, allowing the State Board of Medical Examiners to issue licenses to individuals who meet specific criteria, including being at least 18 years old, graduating from an accredited medical school, and successfully completing certain medical licensing examinations. The act defines key terms such as "graduate physician" and "collaborating physician," and outlines the responsibilities of graduate physicians, including practicing under supervision and providing primary care in medically underserved areas. It also mandates that graduate physicians wear identification tags and clearly identify themselves while practicing, and it sets conditions for prescribing controlled substances and medical cannabis.

Additionally, the bill ensures that health benefits carriers, as well as state Medicaid and NJ FamilyCare programs, reimburse graduate physicians at the same rate as other comparable mid-level health care providers, such as physician assistants. It includes provisions for the oversight of graduate physicians, such as chart reviews by collaborating physicians, and establishes rules for license renewal and collaborative practice arrangements. The act also protects the autonomy of physicians and graduate physicians by stipulating that they cannot be compelled to collaborate against their will. Overall, the bill aims to enhance access to primary care services in underserved areas while maintaining appropriate supervision and standards for graduate physicians.

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