SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5071
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As of February 2, 2017
Title: An act relating to family medicine residency application criteria.
Brief Description: Concerning family medicine residency application criteria.
Sponsors: Senators Keiser, Rivers, Conway, Cleveland, Bailey and Hasegawa.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Health Care: 2/02/17.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE |
Staff: Evan Klein (786-7483)
Background: Family Medicine Residency Network (FMRN). The FMRN at the University of Washington was established to increase the number of family medicine physicians in shortage areas in Washington by providing fiscal incentives for hospitals and clinics to develop or expand residency programs in those areas. The FMRN includes an 11-member Family Medicine Education Advisory Board that considers and provides recommendations on the selection of areas within Washington where affiliate residency programs could exist, including the allocation of funds to programs. State funding received through the FMRN may not exceed 50 percent of the total cost of a residency program.
Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). The ECFMG certifies graduates of international medical schools. ECFMG certification is a standard qualification for international medical graduates (IMGs) seeking to enter graduate medical education in the United States. ECFMG certification is also required for IMGs seeking to take Step 3 of the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination.
Escuela Latinoamericana de Medicina Cuban Medical School (ELAM). ELAM was established in 1999 and is operated by the Cuban government. ELAM accepts international students, including students from the United States. Tuition, accommodation, and board are free and a small stipend is provided to students. ELAM is officially recognized by the ECFMG and the World Health Organization, and is accredited by the Medical Board of California.
Summary of Bill: Residency programs that receive funds through the FMRN may not require applicants for residency who are United States citizens and graduated from ELAM to meet any application screening requirements that are in addition to the criteria required of graduates of a U.S. or Canadian medical school. However, the residency program may still require that a medical graduate be certified by the ECFMG.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Washington students are currently studying at ELAM. ELAM is very multicultural and ELAM graduates practice medicine all over the world. However, there are currently barriers for ELAM graduates to practice in Washington State. These graduates would be Spanish speakers and very skilled in primary care, and would benefit the state. ELAM commits to training quality physicians who can practice in some of the most difficult conditions throughout the world. There is a shortage of rural physicians in Washington and ELAM's rural community focused education can help train physicians to fill this gap. These bills would allow Washington natives to train in Cuba and come back to practice in underserved communities in the state.
OTHER: The UW School of Medicine provides the administrative network to assist the FMRN. Currently, the the FMRN complies with the qualifications outlined in the bill.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Karen Keiser, Prime Sponsor; Sol Bockelie, Latin American School of Medicine. OTHER: Ian Goodhew, UW Medicine.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.