The "Expanding Physician Access Act of 2025" aims to enhance the availability of high-quality, internationally licensed physicians in South Carolina by removing barriers that currently hinder their ability to practice in the state. The bill introduces Section 40-47-39 to the South Carolina Code of Laws, which eliminates unnecessary training duplication while maintaining existing care standards and licensure requirements. It empowers the State Board of Medical Examiners to ensure that all internationally licensed physician applicants possess the necessary knowledge and experience to practice medicine in South Carolina. The bill also provides definitions and outlines the requirements and procedures for issuing and revoking provisional and regular licenses for international physicians sponsored by healthcare providers.

Under the new provisions, the State Board will grant provisional licenses to international physicians who have job offers from healthcare providers in South Carolina, provided they meet specific criteria, including eligibility for federal immigration status and passing scores on the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). Provisional licenses will convert to full licenses after three years of active practice in the state. The bill also allows for the licensing of international physicians from certain countries, with the possibility of adding more countries in the future. Additionally, it establishes a process for revoking provisional licenses based on violations of medical safety or competency standards, with an appeals process available for licensees. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
02/25/2025: 40-47-39
Latest Version: 40-47-39