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HB 763

Authorize limited licenses for certain international physicians

136th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Andrea White

Ohio grants two-year, supervised licenses to internationally trained doctors with potential conversion to full licensure after assessments and meeting criteria.

Referred to committee
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Bill Summary · HB 763

Overview

HB 763 proposes creating a pathway for international physicians (licensed outside the United States or Canada) to practice in Ohio via two-year limited licenses. These limited licenses would be issued by the State Medical Board and paired with structured supervision, employer assessments, and a potential conversion to full Ohio licensure after meeting specified criteria. The bill also establishes an advisory council to help the Board address issues related to internationally trained physicians.

main purpose and intent

  • Authorize the State Medical Board to issue limited licenses to international physicians to practice medicine or osteopathic medicine in Ohio.
  • Provide a supervised two-year licensing period with opportunities to renew once for an additional two years or to convert to a full license.
  • Create a framework for employer-based assessment and evaluation of the limited license holder’s practice.
  • Establish an advisory council to inform the Board on issues concerning internationally trained physicians and limited licenses.

key provisions and changes

  • Eligible individuals:
    • Physicians educated, trained, and licensed abroad (not from the U.S. or Canada).
    • Must have an offer of full-time employment from a participating health care entity in Ohio.
    • Must meet extensive eligibility criteria (medical degree from a recognized listing, post-graduate training aligned with Ohio standards, a currently active license in another jurisdiction, no pending discipline, valid ECFMG or equivalent certification, U.S. exam steps, immigrant employment eligibility, and other requirements).
  • Limited license details:
    • Valid for two years from issuance; renewable once for an additional two-year period.
    • Renewal requires continued full-time employment with a participating health care entity and a renewal fee of $305.
    • Conversion to a full Ohio license (4731.14) possible after meeting criteria, including passing Step 3, successful entity assessments, and addressing any deficiencies; conversion fee of $305.
    • After conversion, the license follows the standard renewal schedule under 4731.281.
  • Participating health care entity requirements:
    • Must be an Ohio hospital, federally qualified health center, community health center, or other board-approved entity.
    • Must employ evaluators with current licensed status and institutional privileges to assess the holder.
    • Must maintain malpractice insurance covering the limited license holder.
    • Must not retaliate against holders for raising concerns or pursuing enforcement.
    • Must conduct ongoing assessments of the limited license holder’s practice across six competency domains.
    • Must provide a written end-of-employment recommendation regarding fitness for a full license.
  • Assessments and data:
    • Entities must establish a program for assessments; the Board may require data on effectiveness and may share non-identifying information in annual reports.
  • Disciplinary and enforcement provisions:
    • The Board may revoke, suspend, limit, or refuse to renew a limited license for any grounds applicable to full medical licenses.
    • All disciplinary actions follow the Administrative Procedure Act.
  • Advisory council:
    • The Board must appoint a council with members experienced in recruiting internationally trained physicians and in evaluating their practice.
    • Council duties include advising on eligibility and representing residency/program standards and evaluation practices.
  • Administrative framework:
    • Board to adopt rules (under Chapter 119) to implement criteria for entity assessments and other provisions.

who would be affected

  • International physicians seeking to practice in Ohio under a limited license.
  • Participating health care entities (hospitals and eligible centers) that hire limited license holders.
  • The State Medical Board, which would issue licenses, oversee evaluations, and administer conversions/renewals.
  • The proposed advisory council, comprised of professionals with experience in international physician recruitment and evaluation.

procedural and timeline aspects

  • Issuance: Limited license issued after Board review of B & C criteria.
  • Duration: Each limited license lasts two years, with one possible renewal for another two years.
  • Renewal/conversion: Notices issued at 1 month prior to expiration; renewal requires $305 and evidence of full-time employment; conversion to a full license requires further criteria and a $305 conversion fee.
  • Employment data: Holders must report employment status every six months during the license period and notify changes in employment.
  • Post-issuance: After conversion to a full license, standard renewal rules apply.
  • Rulemaking: Board to adopt implementing rules under the Administrative Procedure Act.
  • Effective date: Introduced March 2026; action path includes committee referral.

This bill outlines a structured, supervised entry route for internationally trained physicians to work in Ohio, with a built-in path toward full licensure contingent on performance, evaluations, and compliance.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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