Relating to authorizing the Board of Medicine to promulgate a legislative rule relating to waiver of initial licensing fees for certain initial licensure applicants

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Doug Smith

House Bill 2305 allows the West Virginia Board of Medicine to waive initial licensing fees for certain new applicants, easing financial barriers and boosting the healthcare workforce.

To House Government Organization

#legislature--rulemaking

Summary of House Bill 2305

Bill Number: HB 2305
Title: Relating to authorizing the Board of Medicine to promulgate a legislative rule relating to waiver of initial licensing fees for certain initial licensure applicants
Status: To House Government Organization
Introduced: January 29, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject: Legislature--Rule Making

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 2305 aims to authorize the West Virginia Board of Medicine to create a legislative rule that would allow for the waiver of initial licensing fees for specific applicants seeking their first medical license. This initiative is designed to reduce financial barriers for new healthcare professionals entering the field, thereby promoting workforce development in the medical sector.

Key Provisions

Authorization of Rule-Making: The bill specifically empowers the Board of Medicine to promulgate a rule regarding the waiver of initial licensing fees.

Targeted Applicants: The rule would apply to certain initial licensure applicants, although the bill does not specify which categories of applicants would qualify for the fee waiver.

Legislative Rule Reference: The bill references a legislative rule filed in the State Register on April 1, 2024, which outlines the proposed fee waiver.

Impact

Healthcare Professionals: The primary beneficiaries of this bill would be new applicants for medical licenses who may face financial challenges in covering initial licensing fees.

Medical Workforce: By potentially easing the financial burden on new entrants, the bill aims to encourage more individuals to pursue careers in medicine, which could help address workforce shortages in the healthcare sector.

Procedural Timeline

January 29, 2025: Bill filed with the Clerk by Rep. Tony M. McCombie.

February 4, 2025: First reading and referred to the Rules Committee.

February 12, 2025: Introduced in the House and referred to the Government Organization Committee.

March 4, 2025: Assigned to the Executive Committee.

March 12, 2025: The Executive Committee recommended a "Do Pass" status with a vote of 12-0-0.

March 27, 2025: The bill was held on the calendar for second reading and short debate.

April 11, 2025: The third reading deadline was extended to May 31, 2025.

May 31, 2025: The bill was re-referred to the Rules Committee.

Conclusion

House Bill 2305 represents a legislative effort to facilitate the entry of new healthcare professionals into the field by potentially waiving initial licensing fees. If enacted, this bill could have a positive impact on the medical workforce in West Virginia, making it more accessible for aspiring medical practitioners.