Senate advances S-142 to create a pathway for internationally trained physicians

The Vermont Senate advanced S-142, a bill establishing a pathway for internationally trained physicians and medical graduates to obtain licensure in the state. Under the bill, the Board of Medical Practice may issue a provisional license for a two-year supervised employment period at a participating Vermont health care facility; completion may be followed by a two-year limited license and eventual application for a full, unrestricted license upon meeting assessment and U.S. Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE Step 3) requirements.

The Committee on Health and Welfare’s reporter summarized the design: the pathway requires education and examination standards, a two-year supervised placement at a Board-approved facility, and an annual Board report on implementation including numbers of applicants, provisional and limited licenses granted or refused, and reasons for refusal. The bill also directs the Department of Health and the Board to report by Jan. 15, 2027 on an alternate pathway assessment, with implementation dates for rulemaking set in statute (rulemaking 07/01/2027; pathway effective 07/01/2028).

Committees recommended the bill with amendments: the Finance Committee reported no fees and a favorable recommendation (6‑0‑1); Appropriations noted no immediate appropriations for fiscal 2027 though future fiscal-year 2028 resources may be required and voted 7‑0‑0 to move the bill forward. Senators noted the program’s potential to fill physician shortages, particularly in rural areas, and asked that the Board return data on outcomes and implementation experience.

The Senate adopted the committee amendments and ordered the bill for third reading. The bill includes reporting and rulemaking deadlines and allows the Board to define which foreign licensures and participating facilities qualify under the pathway.