License Changes Designed to Streamline Approval

March 31, 2022

With the intention of addressing healthcare worker shortages, the Legislature is moving two bills to streamline the licensing process for physicians, physician assistants, and respiratory therapists. Each is licensed by the Board of Medical Practice (BMP). 

The change would allow an applicant who is licensed in good standing in another state to be issued a temporary license at the time of applying for licensure. Practitioners could begin practicing immediately while waiting for the BMP to complete the process for a permanent license. 

Both SF 3071 (Sen. Julie Rosen, R-Fairmont) and HF 3388 (Rep. Kelly Morrison, MD, DFL-Deephaven) have passed key committees and are moving toward passage. 

A second bill, SF 1257 (Sen. Michelle Benson, R-Ham Lake), reduces the number of criminal background checks physicians and other healthcare workers must complete if they work in a Department of Human Services licensed program. Under current law, healthcare workers must complete a criminal background check to be licensed to practice, and then complete a second background check if they provide services to patients in DHS-licensed facilities like group homes, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes. 

SF 1257 exempts licensed healthcare workers who have completed a background check for their licensing board from having to complete a second one for DHS. The bill passed through all Senate policy committees and is moving toward passage.