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SB 385

Board of Medicine rule relating to waiver of initial licensing fees for certain applicants

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jack Woodrum

SB 385: Board of Medicine rule relating to waiver of initial licensing fees for certain applicants OverviewBill Number: SB 385 Title: Board of Medicine rule relating to waiver of

Reported in Com. Sub. for S. B. 369
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Bill Summary · SB 385

SB 385: Board of Medicine rule relating to waiver of initial licensing fees for certain applicants

Overview

Bill Number: SB 385
Title: Board of Medicine rule relating to waiver of initial licensing fees for certain applicants
Status: Reported in Com. Sub. for S. B. 369
Introduced: February 14, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of SB 385 is to require the West Virginia Board of Medicine to promulgate a rule that would waive the initial licensing fees for certain healthcare professionals applying for a license in the state. The bill aims to reduce financial barriers and increase access to healthcare services by making it more affordable for qualified individuals to obtain medical licenses.

Key Provisions

  • Requires the Board of Medicine to establish a rule that waives the initial licensing fee for the following applicants:
    • Recent graduates of an accredited medical, osteopathic, or podiatry school
    • Individuals who have completed a medical residency or fellowship program
    • Healthcare professionals relocating to West Virginia from another state
  • Specifies that the fee waiver would apply to the initial license application only, not subsequent renewals
  • Authorizes the Board to establish criteria and eligibility requirements for the fee waiver program

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Recent medical, osteopathic, and podiatry school graduates would benefit from reduced financial barriers to obtaining a license and practicing in West Virginia
  • Healthcare professionals relocating to West Virginia would also see reduced costs when applying for a new license in the state
  • The West Virginia Board of Medicine would be responsible for implementing the fee waiver program and establishing the necessary rules and regulations
  • Patients in West Virginia may see improved access to healthcare services as a result of more licensed professionals practicing in the state

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

SB 385 has been reported to the full Senate after being considered in committee. If passed by the Senate, the bill would then move to the House of Delegates for further consideration. If enacted, the Board of Medicine would have 6 months to promulgate the required rule establishing the fee waiver program.

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

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