BILL NUMBER: S7840
SPONSOR: JACKSON
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the education law, in relation to establishing an inter-
nationally trained physician licensure pathway program
 
PURPOSE:
To address the physician shortage in New York State by creating a struc-
tured pathway to licensure for internationally trained physicians,
allowing them to practice under supervision in shortage areas and ulti-
mately obtain full licensure.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 establishes legislative intent, recognizing the physician
shortage and the need to integrate internationally trained physicians
into the healthcare system.
Section 2 adds § 6525-a to the Education Law, which:
* Defines "internationally trained physician" as a doctor licensed in
another country meeting State Board for Medicine standards.
* Defines "participating healthcare facility" as a federally qualified
health center, community health center, hospital, or facility in a
designated physician shortage area.
* Establishes a three-stage licensure pathway:
1. Limited Permit (2 years): Physicians work under supervision in
participating facilities.
2. Restricted License (2 years): Physicians gain independent practice
rights in primary care, psychiatry, or approved specialties within shor-
tage areas.
3. Full Licensure: Physicians who successfully complete the program
become eligible for full medical licensure in New York.
* Requires the State Board for Medicine to set regulations on program
standards, supervision, and evaluation criteria. *Mandates an annual
report on program participation, specialties, and geographic service
areas.
Section 3 establishes the act's effective date as 180 days after enact-
ment, with rulemaking authorized immediately.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
New York State faces a severe physician shortage, particularly in prima-
ry care, psychiatry, and underserved rural communities. This shortage
limits access to care, increases wait times, and exacerbates health
disparities, especially for low-income and immigrant populations.
At the same time, New York is home to thousands of Internationally
trained doctors who possess the necessary medical knowledge and experi-
ence but are unable to practice due to outdated and restrictive licens-
ing requirements. These skilled professionals often end up in non-clini-
cal roles-such as home health aides or medical assistants-or leave the
healthcare field altogether. This phenomenon, known as "brain waste,"
represents a missed opportunity to strengthen New York's healthcare
workforce.
This bill establishes a structured, supervised pathway that allows
foreign-trained doctors to contribute to the healthcare system while
ensuring patient safety through:
* Supervised practice in approved healthcare facilities.
* Service requirements that direct doctors to work in shortage areas
where they are most needed.
* A transition to full licensure, ensuring these professionals can fully
integrate into the workforce.
Several other states, including California, Minnesota, and Missouri,
have implemented similar programs to successfully integrate interna-
tionally trained physicians into their healthcare systems. New York must
modernize its licensing process to meet healthcare demands and maximize
the talents of its immigrant workforce.
Without this reform, physician shortages will continue to grow, partic-
ularly in rural areas, putting further strain on the existing healthcare
system. This bill presents a common-sense solution that expands access
to care, strengthens the medical workforce, and ensures that qualified
foreign-trained doctors can fully contribute to the well-being of New
Yorkers.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
This is a new bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
Minimal administrative costs anticipated for program oversight and
reporting.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect 180 days after becoming law, with rulemaking
authorized immediately.