House passes pilot pathway for internationally trained physicians to address primary-care shortages

The House passed Substitute Senate Bill 51-85, a pilot program designed to create a supervised pathway to licensure for qualified internationally trained physicians, a measure sponsors said is intended to reduce primary-care shortages across the state.

Representative Reid, urging support, said the program allows qualified physicians who completed international training to pursue licensure through supervised work and multiple qualification steps. "This bill helps to address a critical shortage in our state of primary care physicians," Reid said, adding the pathway mirrors programs other states have used to place trained clinicians into underserved communities.

Representative Marshall said he would vote yes but cautioned about future program expansions and potential effects on residency matching; he urged careful design. The House adopted committee amendments, advanced the substitute to third reading and recorded a final tally of 89 yeas, 4 nays and 5 excused.

Supporters framed the bill as a workforce solution to expand access in communities with shortages; opponents expressed caution about unintended consequences and residency system effects. The bill will move toward enrollment and the governor's consideration.

Ending: The pilot program passed the House and will proceed toward enrollment and the governor's desk.