The bill amends RCW 18.71.095 to update the requirements for the clinical experience license for international medical graduates (IMGs). It allows the commission to issue a limited license to IMGs for the purpose of gaining clinical experience, provided they meet specific criteria, including certification by the educational commission for foreign medical graduates and passing steps one and two of the United States medical licensing examination. The bill also introduces provisions for the commission to waive certain requirements for applicants facing hardship, such as refugee status or persecution, while still ensuring that the applicants demonstrate competence through alternative means.

Additionally, the bill modifies the supervision requirements for license holders, allowing a supervising physician to oversee up to four license holders instead of two, and extends the validity of the limited license from one renewal to three renewals, totaling eight years. The scope of practice for license holders will be defined in a practice agreement with their supervising physician, and all licensed individuals will be subject to the same jurisdiction as other medical professionals. These changes aim to facilitate the integration of IMGs into the healthcare system while maintaining standards of medical practice.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 18.71.095
Substitute Bill: 18.71.095
Bill as Passed Legislature: 18.71.095
Session Law: 18.71.095