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Bill

HB 1199

Physicians - Licensing - Internationally Trained Physicians

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Tiffany Alston and 18 co-sponsors

Maryland bill streamlines physician licensing for internationally trained doctors to address workforce shortages while maintaining patient safety oversight standards.

Hearing 4/07 at 11:30 a.m.
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Bill Summary · HB 1199

Legislative bill overview

HB 1199 modifies Maryland's licensing requirements for internationally trained physicians, likely streamlining the pathway for foreign medical graduates to practice in the state. The bill has already received a favorable amendment report from the Health and Government Operations committee and is currently under financial review. The specific amendments and exact provisions are not detailed in the action history provided, but the bill represents an attempt to address physician workforce challenges.

Why is this important

Maryland, like many states, faces physician shortages in certain specialties and geographic areas. Internationally trained physicians represent a significant potential workforce resource. How Maryland structures these licensing pathways affects healthcare access, quality, and cost while also influencing employment opportunities for foreign medical graduates seeking to practice in the United States.

Potential points of contention

  • Patient safety and standardization concerns: Critics may question whether international medical training meets equivalent standards, particularly regarding language proficiency, clinical competency verification, and familiarity with U.S. medical protocols
  • Economic impact on domestic medical graduates: Some may argue that streamlined pathways for international physicians could reduce job opportunities or wages for U.S.-trained doctors, though others counter that they fill critical workforce gaps
  • Implementation costs: The Finance Committee review suggests questions about fiscal impact—screening, credential verification, and oversight of internationally trained physicians require administrative resources and infrastructure

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

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