The bill proposes the addition of a new section, 30-3-12a, to the West Virginia Medical Practice Act, which establishes an emeritus physician license. This license is intended for physicians, podiatric physicians, and physician assistants who have fully retired from clinical practice in West Virginia and meet specific qualifications, including a minimum of ten years of practice in the state, no ongoing investigations or disciplinary actions, and voluntary retirement from active practice. The emeritus license will be issued without a fee and will not authorize the holder to engage in any clinical practice. Additionally, the license will not require continuing education for retention and will remain valid for the holder's lifetime unless they return to active practice or the board revokes it.

The bill also allows the board to issue emeritus licenses to providers whose licenses expired before July 1, 2025, provided they meet the same criteria. The board is empowered to create rules for the application process, grounds for denial or revocation, and procedures for voluntary relinquishment of the emeritus license. Notably, the emeritus license cannot be converted to a practicing license in any jurisdiction, nor can it be used to obtain privileges to practice elsewhere.

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