The bill establishes a pilot program aimed at creating a pathway to physician licensure for international medical graduates in Washington State. It amends RCW 18.71.051 to allow applicants who have graduated from foreign medical schools to apply for licensure, provided they meet specific requirements, including proof of equivalent professional instruction and satisfactory examination results. Notably, the bill removes previous stipulations regarding the necessity of graduating from a commission-approved medical school and introduces a new provision allowing the Washington medical commission to adopt rules for a primary care license for those who complete the clinical experience graduate pilot program.

The pilot program will enable international medical graduates to gain clinical experience and ultimately achieve full, unrestricted medical licensure. Participants must hold a clinical experience license, complete two years of supervised clinical practice, and meet various assessment criteria. The program will also engage with the American board of medical specialties to explore board certification for participants. The commission is required to report annually on the program's outcomes and recommendations for expansion until its expiration on June 30, 2035.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 18.71.051
Substitute bill: 18.71.051
Bill as passed Legislature: 18.71.051