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Bill

Bill

SB 387

Physicians and surgeons: special faculty permits: academic medical centers.

2025-2026 Regular Session

California allows qualified out-of-state and international physicians to practice at academic medical centers under special permits, bypassing standard state medical licensure requirements.

Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 752, Statutes of 2025.
#physiciansandsurgeons #academicmedicalcenters #specialfacultypermits
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Bill Summary · SB 387

Legislative bill overview

SB 387 establishes a special faculty permit pathway for physicians and surgeons to practice at academic medical centers in California without holding a standard state medical license. The bill allows qualified physicians with valid out-of-state or international credentials to teach, conduct research, and provide patient care in academic settings under specified conditions and oversight.

Why is this important

This legislation expands California's ability to attract and retain leading medical researchers and educators from other states and countries by reducing licensing barriers in academic environments. It addresses workforce challenges in medical education and research while potentially improving the quality and diversity of faculty at major teaching hospitals and university medical centers.

Potential points of contention

  • Patient safety concerns: Permitting physicians without California licensure to directly treat patients raises questions about accountability, malpractice liability, and whether state regulatory standards are being appropriately maintained
  • Competitive fairness: California-licensed physicians may view this as creating an unlevel playing field where some practitioners face fewer regulatory requirements for similar work
  • Scope and oversight: The definition of "academic medical center" activities and enforcement mechanisms for ensuring permit holders meet quality standards may be ambiguous or difficult to monitor consistently

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

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