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Bill

SB 5118

Updating the requirements for the clinical experience license for international medical graduates.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by T'wina Nobles and 4 co-sponsors

Washington updates clinical experience license requirements for international medical graduates, affecting supervision standards and eligibility criteria effective July 2025.

Effective date 7/27/2025.
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Bill Summary · SB 5118

Legislative bill overview

SB 5118 updates Washington state's requirements for the Clinical Experience License (CEL), which allows international medical graduates to practice medicine under supervision while completing additional training. The bill modifies eligibility criteria, supervision requirements, and other procedural standards for this pathway, which had not been substantially updated in years.

Why is this important

International medical graduates represent a significant portion of the physician workforce, particularly in underserved rural and specialty areas. Updating these requirements affects access to medical care in Washington, the competitiveness of the state's medical workforce, and the timeline for foreign-trained doctors to enter independent practice.

Potential points of contention

  • Supervision burden: Changes to supervision requirements could either reduce barriers for IMGs (expanding the workforce) or create new compliance challenges for supervising physicians and healthcare facilities
  • Patient safety vs. accessibility trade-off: Stricter requirements may enhance oversight but could slow workforce expansion in areas with physician shortages
  • Implementation timeline: The July 2025 effective date gives limited time for healthcare facilities to adjust policies and training structures

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

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