Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Health Care & Wellness Committee |
HB 1595
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. |
Brief Description: Regarding graduates of foreign medical schools.
Sponsors: Representatives Cody, Appleton and Green.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/3/11
Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191).
Background:
The Medial Quality Assurance Commission (MQAC) is responsible for the licensure and discipline of physicians. A physician who graduates from a medical school within the United States or Canada must meet a variety of qualifications, including:
graduation from medical school;
passage of an examination; and
completion of two years of post-graduate medical training.
The two years of post-graduate training (which includes internships, residencies, and fellowships) must be in a program acceptable to the MQAC. The MQAC only approves programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, or the College of Family Physicians of Canada.
Graduates of foreign medical schools (other than those in Canada) must meet all of the requirements as graduates from domestic schools, including the two years of post-graduate medical training. In addition, foreign medical school graduates must pass the examination given by the Educational Council for Foreign Medical Graduates and be able to read, write, speak, understand, and be understood in English.
Summary of Bill:
A foreign medical school graduate is exempt from the two year post-graduate medical training requirement if he or she has:
been admitted as a permanent immigrant to the United States as a person of exceptional ability in the sciences pursuant to the rules of the United States Department of Labor; or
been issued a permanent immigration visa and:
received multiple sclerosis certified specialist status from the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers; and
successfully completed at least 24 months of training in multiple sclerosis at an educational institution in the United States with an accredited residency program in neurology or rehabilitation.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 26, 2011.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.