The bill proposes the creation of a new section in the West Virginia Medical Practice Act, designated as 30-3-12a, which establishes an emeritus physician license for retired physicians, podiatric physicians, and physician assistants. This license is intended to honor the service of these professionals and will be issued without a fee to those who meet specific qualifications, including having a valid current license, a minimum of ten years of practice in West Virginia, and having fully retired from clinical practice. The bill outlines that the emeritus license does not permit the holder to engage in any clinical practice and exempts them from continuing education requirements.

Additionally, the bill allows for the issuance of an emeritus license to providers whose licenses expired before July 1, 2025, provided they meet the same criteria. The emeritus license will be valid for the lifetime of the holder unless they return to active practice or the license is revoked by the West Virginia Board of Medicine. The bill also mandates the Board to create rules for the application process, grounds for denial or revocation, and procedures for voluntary relinquishment of the emeritus license.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 30-3-12a