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HB 1160

PHYSICIANS: Provides relative to rural physician licenses

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Michael Echols

Louisiana allows international medical graduates to obtain a restricted rural license to practice in designated rural/underserved areas with supervised practice for 2 years, progre

Effective date: 08/01/2026.
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Bill Summary · HB 1160

Summary of HB 1160 (2026, Louisiana) — Physicians: Provides relative to rural physician licenses

Purpose and intent

HB 1160 creates a restricted rural physician license aimed at international medical graduates (IMGs) who meet specified qualifications. The intent is to expand access to physicians in designated rural or medically underserved areas by allowing IMGs to practice under supervised conditions, with a pathway to full licensure after a period of continuous rural practice.

Key provisions and changes

  • Issuance of a restricted rural physician license

    • The Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners (the board) may issue a restricted rural physician license to eligible international medical graduates.

  • Eligibility requirements

    • Medical education equivalency (as defined by applicable standards).
    • Passage of licensing examinations (likely USMLE-style exams; exact exams not specified in the digest).
    • Certification by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) or an equivalent credential.
    • Documented clinical experience.
    • Background check requirements.
    • Demonstrated English proficiency.

  • Practice limitations and settings

    • Licensed physicians may practice only in:
    • Designated rural areas or medically underserved areas, or
    • At facilities approved by the board.
    • Licensees must comply with annual renewal requirements.

  • Supervision and transition to unsupervised practice

    • A minimum two-year supervision period is required, under a qualified supervising physician.
    • The board may permit unsupervised practice after successful completion of the supervision period.

  • Disciplinary and compliance framework

    • The restricted license includes defined limitations and disciplinary provisions for violations.

  • Path to full license

    • Eligibility for a full and unrestricted license can be attained after five years of continuous practice in a rural or medically underserved area, subject to specified conditions.

  • Regulatory framework

    • The board is required to promulgate rules and regulations to implement the law (i.e., establish procedures, standards, and enforcement mechanisms).

  • Statutory addition

    • Adds a new provision: R.S. 37:1275.3.

Who is affected

  • International medical graduates seeking licensure to practice in Louisiana.
  • Rural and medically underserved communities in Louisiana that will gain access to physicians through this restricted license pathway.
  • Healthcare facilities located in designated rural or underserved areas that participate under approved terms.
  • The Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners and its processes for licensure, supervision, and disciplinary actions.

Timeline and procedural notes

  • Effective mechanics depend on the board issuing rules and regulations to implement the program.
  • The bill was reported with amendments by the House Health and Welfare Committee (amendments were technical corrections).
  • No specific dates for implementation are provided beyond the regulatory rulemaking requirement; the five-year pathway to full licensure operates from time of initial restricted licensure.

Additional context

  • The bill’s amendments appear to be technical in nature, focusing on wording and alignment with existing licensing processes.
  • The measure emphasizes safety (supervision), accountability (discipline), and a structured progression from restricted to full licensure.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to a specific audience (e.g., policymakers, healthcare administrators, or community advocates) or add a side-by-side comparison with current licensure rules.

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

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