Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Early Learning & Human Services Committee
HB 2185
Brief Description: Concerning the oversight board for children, youth, and families.
Sponsors: Representatives Dent, Senn, Reed, Graham, Tharinger and Reeves.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Authorizes the Washington Medical Commission to issue limited licenses to international medical graduates.
  • Authorizes the Washington Medical Commission to issue limited licenses to persons who have been accepted for employment as physicians by the Department of Children, Youth, and Families.
Hearing Date: 1/16/24
Staff: Omeara Harrington (786-7136).
Background:

Limited Licensure of International Medical Graduates.

International medical graduates (IMGs) are physicians who receive their medical school education outside the United States and Canada.

 

International medical graduates must go through medical licensing examinations and credential verifications to receive certification by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG).  International medical graduates who receive ECFMG certification become eligible to enter the United States' graduate medical education process, where they provide supervised patient care.  The ECFMG certification is a requirement for IMGs to take Step 3 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination, as well as a prerequisite to obtaining an unrestricted license to practice medicine in the United States.

 

The Washington Medical Commission (WMC) may issue a limited license to an applicant for the purpose of gaining clinical experience at an approved facility or program if the applicant:

  • does not qualify for licensure as a United States or Canadian medical graduate; and
  • meets the requirements established by the WMC.

 

Limited Licensure of United States and Canadian Medical Graduates.

The WMC may, upon the written request of the Secretary of the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) or the Secretary of the Department of Corrections (DOC), issue limited licenses to persons who work with patients, residents, or inmates of state institutions under the control and supervision of the DSHS or the DOC.  In 2019 the Department of Children, Youth, and Families assumed control of programs previously administered by the DSHS, including juvenile rehabilitation facilities, community facilities, and parole services.
Summary of Bill:

Limited Licensure of International Medical Graduates.

International medical graduates (IMGs) are physicians who receive their medical school education outside the United States and Canada.

 

International medical graduates must go through medical licensing examinations and credential verifications to receive certification by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG).  International medical graduates who receive ECFMG certification become eligible to enter the United States' graduate medical education process, where they provide supervised patient care.  The ECFMG certification is a requirement for IMGs to take Step 3 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination, as well as a prerequisite to obtaining an unrestricted license to practice medicine in the United States.

 

The Washington Medical Commission (WMC) may issue a limited license to an applicant for the purpose of gaining clinical experience at an approved facility or program if the applicant:

  • does not qualify for licensure as a United States or Canadian medical graduate; and
  • meets the requirements established by the WMC.

 

Limited Licensure of United States and Canadian Medical Graduates.

The WMC may, upon the written request of the Secretary of the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) or the Secretary of the Department of Corrections (DOC), issue limited licenses to persons who work with patients, residents, or inmates of state institutions under the control and supervision of the DSHS or the DOC.  In 2019 the Department of Children, Youth, and Families assumed control of programs previously administered by the DSHS, including juvenile rehabilitation facilities, community facilities, and parole services.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 1, 2025.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.