IMG Alternative Licensing Pathway Legislation Moves in Senate

February 26, 2025

Legislation that would create an alternative pathway to licensure for international medical graduates (IMGs) who have not completed a US residency program was heard in the Health and Human Services Committee on February 25. 

The bill creates an alternative pathway to licensure for IMGs who have practiced as a physician in another country for at least 60 months in the previous 10 years, have ECFMG certification, have passed USMLE Steps 1 and 2, and have an offer of employment to work as a physician under a collaborative agreement, among other requirements. The IMG would be granted a provisional license for a period of two years, where they would be required to practice under the supervision of a licensed physician. Following completion of this limited license they would be eligible for a full unrestricted license.  

The MMA has expressed concerns with earlier versions of the bill (SF 509 - Mann, DFL – Edina) and has worked with the senator to ensure a minimum level of education and proficiency before a license could be granted. The current version of the bill now requires additional supervision requirements during the two-year period, and that a provisional license holder shadow the collaborating physician for the first four weeks to determine the level of supervision that will be required for the remainder of the provisionary license period. The bill requires a minimum of two hours of in-person oversight per week.  

The bill also requires that after one year of provisional practice, the collaborating physician must attest to the provisionary license holders’ ability to understand basic federal and state laws regarding the provision of healthcare. They must also understand American medical standards of care and be able to demonstrate mastery of specific services required of a physician, like what a medical resident must show. 

The MMA has supported efforts to ensure well-trained physicians are included in our healthcare workforce. Based on the additional guardrails added to the bill, the MMA does not oppose the bill. The bill passed and was referred to the Senate State and Local Government Committee.