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Bill

SB 355

Board of Osteopathic Medicine rule relating to licensing procedures for osteopathic physicians

2026 Regular Session

SB 355 delegates osteopathic physician licensing procedure reforms to West Virginia's Board of Osteopathic Medicine via administrative rulemaking.

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Bill Summary · SB 355

Legislative bill overview

SB 355 modifies the West Virginia Board of Osteopathic Medicine's licensing procedures for osteopathic physicians, streamlining or altering how the board processes applications and credentials. The specific procedural changes would be established through board rule-making rather than statute, giving the board administrative flexibility. This approach delegates regulatory details to the board rather than legislating them directly.

Why is this important

Licensing procedures directly affect how quickly qualified physicians can practice and enter the healthcare market. Changes to these procedures can impact physician supply, patient access to care, and healthcare costs. West Virginia faces physician shortages in rural areas, making licensing efficiency relevant to healthcare availability.

Potential points of contention

  • Delegation of authority: Critics may argue the legislature should establish clear statutory standards rather than delegating procedural rules to an appointed board, raising accountability questions.
  • Reciprocity and interstate practice: Unclear whether changes affect recognition of licenses from other states, which impacts physician mobility and could affect workforce supply.
  • Transparency in rulemaking: Board rule-making may lack the public input and legislative oversight that statutory changes receive, potentially limiting stakeholder consultation.

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

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