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Bill

SB 427

Physicians; limited provisional licenses and a pathway to licensure for certain internationally trained physicians; provide

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jason Anavitarte and 13 co-sponsors

Georgia SB 427 establishes provisional medical licenses for internationally trained physicians to practice under supervision while meeting full licensure requirements.

Act 509
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Bill Summary · SB 427

Legislative bill overview

SB 427 creates a limited provisional licensing pathway for internationally trained physicians to practice in Georgia while completing additional requirements for full licensure. The bill establishes specific conditions and oversight mechanisms for these provisional licenses, allowing foreign-trained doctors to gain supervised clinical experience in the state.

Why is this important

Georgia faces physician shortages in certain specialties and rural areas, and this bill could help address workforce gaps by tapping into a pool of trained medical professionals. However, it raises questions about patient safety standards, credential verification, and whether provisional licensure adequately protects the public while still facilitating access to care.

Potential points of contention

  • Patient safety and credential verification: Determining what level of additional training, testing, and supervision is adequate for internationally trained physicians before independent practice
  • Labor market impact: Concerns from in-state medical schools and residency programs about competition, wages, and whether this addresses root causes of physician shortages versus just providing cheaper alternatives
  • Scope and conditions of provisional licenses: Disputes over geographic limitations (rural vs. urban), specialty restrictions, duration of provisional status, and supervision requirements

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

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