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SB 2366

Physicians and Surgeons - As introduced, requires the board of medical examiners to issue a provisional foreign training license of two years, which may be extended for an additional one year, to an internationally trained physician who has successfully completed the examination described in current law upon finding sufficient evidence that the internationally trained physician has met certain listed criteria. - Amends TCA Title 63.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Joey Hensley

Tennessee bill creates 2-3 year provisional license pathway for foreign-trained physicians who pass exams, potentially expanding healthcare workforce but raising patient safety oversight questions.

Signed by Governor.
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Bill Summary · SB 2366

Legislative bill overview

SB 2366 creates a new provisional foreign training license pathway for internationally trained physicians in Tennessee, allowing them to practice for up to three years (2 years initial + 1 year optional extension) after passing required examinations. The bill amends Tennessee's medical licensing code to establish specific criteria these foreign-trained physicians must meet to qualify for this provisional license.

Why is this important

This addresses a potential physician shortage by streamlining credentialing for foreign medical graduates, while raising questions about quality assurance and patient safety standards. The provision could increase healthcare access in underserved Tennessee areas but depends heavily on what criteria the board establishes and how rigorously they're enforced.

Potential points of contention

  • Patient safety standards: Critics may question whether a provisional license with fewer requirements than standard licensure adequately protects patients, particularly regarding language proficiency and clinical training equivalency
  • Fairness to domestic medical graduates: Domestic physicians may argue this creates a lower barrier to entry for foreign-trained doctors, potentially affecting employment competition
  • Lack of detail on criteria: The bill references "listed criteria" without specifying them in the summary, making it unclear what actual standards applicants must meet beyond passing the examination

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

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