Revises provisions relating to health care. (BDR 54-38)

Existing law provides for the licensing of physicians by the Board of Medical Examiners. (NRS 630.160-630.1607, 630.258-630.2665) Existing law also authorizes a graduate of a foreign medical school to obtain a restricted license to teach, research or practice medicine at a medical facility, medical research facility or medical school by completing certain requirements that are less stringent than the requirements to obtain an unrestricted license. (NRS 630.2645) If the holder of such a restricted license wishes to obtain an unrestricted license, existing law requires the holder to meet all of the qualifications ordinarily required to obtain an unrestricted license. (NRS 630.160, 630.2645) Section 1.3 of this bill authorizes the Board of Medical Examiners to issue a limited license to practice medicine to a graduate of a qualified foreign medical school who holds or has held a valid and unrestricted license to practice medicine issued by a foreign country other than Canada and: (1) has completed a residency program or other program of postgraduate training or has performed the duties of a physician in that foreign country within a certain amount of time before applying for the license; and (2) possesses certain other qualifications related to the practice of medicine. Section 1.3 authorizes the Board to additionally require an applicant for a limited license to: (1) take an additional examination if the applicant has not performed the duties of physician for a continuous period of 24 months before applying for licensure; or (2) submit to the Board an offer of employment from certain health related entities. Section 1.3 requires that the holder of a limited license only practice medicine: (1) under the supervision of at least one physician who holds an active unrestricted license and possesses certain additional qualifications and with whom the holder of a limited license has entered into a written practice agreement; and (2) in accordance with the written practice agreement. Section 1.3 authorizes the Board of Medical Examiners to issue an unrestricted license to the holder of a limited license who: (1) has completed at least 2 years of practice as a full-time physician under the limited license; (2) remains in good standing; and (3) has received a recommendation from each physician currently supervising him or her. Section 1.3 additionally authorizes the Board to establish other requirements relating to the licensure and practice of limited licensees. Section 1.7 of this bill requires the Board to annually submit to the Legislature a report concerning the licensure of graduates of foreign medical schools under the provisions of section 1.3. Section 2 of this bill makes a conforming change to clarify that an applicant for a limited license to practice medicine pursuant to section 1.3 is not required to possess the same qualifications as an applicant for a standard license. Sections 3-6 of this bill update references to certification by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates in existing law to reflect the current practices of the Commission.

• Angela D. TaylorD
• Edgar FloresD
• Jeff StoneR