FINAL BILL REPORT
SHB 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. |
C 138 L 11
Synopsis as Enacted
Brief Description: Regarding graduates of foreign medical schools.
Sponsors: House Committee on Health Care & Wellness (originally sponsored by Representatives Cody, Appleton and Green).
House Committee on Health Care & Wellness
Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care
Background:
The Medical 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 the same 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:
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;
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.
Votes on Final Passage:
House | 95 | 1 | |
Senate | 48 | 0 |
Effective: | July 22, 2011 |