Committee backs emeritus license for retired West Virginia physicians

The Senate Committee on Government Organization agreed to a committee substitute for Senate Bill 583 that would allow the West Virginia Board of Medicine to issue an emeritus physician license without charge to retired physicians who meet specific criteria.

Counsel explained the substitute would authorize issuance to physicians who are currently licensed, have been licensed at least 10 years, have not been subject to revocation, suspension or surrender, are not under investigation for professional conduct violations and are fully and voluntarily retired. "This emeritus license will be valid for the life of the holder without a renewal fee," counsel said, adding that the license is honorary and "does not allow the holder to practice any profession in West Virginia," and may not be used to obtain licensure elsewhere or under compact provisions.

The substitute contains a five-year reach-back, allowing physicians who retired prior to July 1, 2025, to apply through July 1, 2030. Counsel said the Board of Medicine supports the bill and that Mark Spangler, the board's executive director, was present.

With no amendments offered, the committee agreed to the substitute by voice vote. The vice chair moved that the committee substitute be reported to the full Senate with a recommendation that it pass and that, under the original double reference, it first be referred to the committee on finance. The motion was adopted and the substitute will be reported and sent to finance.