New bill allows international doctors to work in Idaho

TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — As we head into the new year, a few new laws go into effect in our state. One of them looks to help fill an important need — a shortage of doctors.

“Idaho has one of the lowest physicians per capita in the nation,” says State Rep. Josh Wheeler.

Josh wheeler is a state representative for District 35. He is one of the lawmakers behind House Bill 542, which becomes law in 20-25.

This bill will allow doctors who received their education and training outside of the U.S. and Canada to practice medicine here in Idaho. According to Representative Wheeler, this law will help address the shortage of doctors in our state.

“Just opening up additional paths to bring more physicians to the state of Idaho,” says Wheeler.

According to the American Medical Association, as of 2023 Idaho is a little under 200 physicians per 100,000 residents, compared to a national average of around 300. And by 2030– a Cicero Institue Study projects that Idaho will be short more than 1,700 doctors.

Representative Wheeler says this new change will help offset those numbers, adding that international doctors are required to be vetted before getting hired.

“Listen we want to make sure their medical education is substantially similar to a united states med school education,” says Wheeler. “They need to have English speaking proficiency, and they need to be in good standing with whatever governing body they deal with.”

International doctors are also required to have practiced in another country for at least three years, need a clinic or hospital to sponsor them, and a doctor to supervise them during a three-year temporary license term.

“And that will then give them the pathway to have full license in the state of Idaho,” says Wheeler.

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