Committee advances bill to create licensure pathways for internationally trained clinicians and telehealth registry

The Senate committee moved House Bill 127 forward after hearing supporters say the bill would expand access to specialty and primary care by creating a stair-step pathway for internationally trained medical graduates and a telehealth registry for out-of-state physicians.

House analysts and stakeholders described a three-part approach modeled on laws adopted in other states: a two-year provisional license and restricted license pathway for internationally trained graduates, a telehealth registry to allow fully licensed out-of-state physicians to provide telehealth services in New Mexico, and changes to make expedited licensing authority mandatory when applicants request it. Supporters including Think New Mexico and the Greater Albuquerque Chamber argued the bill would address residency bottlenecks and expand access in underserved areas; the New Mexico Medical Board endorsed the concept but noted rulemaking, oversight and staff increases would be required and requested funding to administer the programs.

Sponsors acknowledged the medical board will need resources and said they will pursue appropriate funding and LFC work-plan inclusion for board capacity during the interim. The committee voted to recommend the bill advance.